Wales needs a Youth Assembly

Welsh Conservatives shadow spokesperson for Education and Children has today renewed calls to re-establish a Children and Young People’s Assembly.

Wales has been without a Children and Young People’s Assembly since July 2014 when the Welsh Labour Government cut funding to support to the initiative.

A UN committee has previously expressed concerns that children’s views are not systematically heard in policymaking decisions that affect them and noted Wales among six devolved nations without a youth parliament.

Yesterday, a campaign to re-establish the Children and Young People’s Assembly was launched at an event in the Senedd, sponsored by Darren Millar AM.

Between 15 June and 15 September, campaigners are inviting everyone aged 11 – 25 in Wales to take part in their consultation on what a new youth assembly for Wales should look like.

Speaking after the event, Mr Millar said:

“Wales’ children and young people must be given opportunities to have their say on issues that matter to them and to ensure that politicians and other decision makers in Wales listen to their voices.

“Early engagement is critical to embedding the importance of the democratic process to tomorrow’s electorate.

“Establishing a well-resourced youth assembly is a crucial step in ensuring future youth participation in Welsh politics.

“One way to achieving this is through cutting ministerial pay by 10%, which is a small price to pay for increasing youth engagement with the democratic process.”