Igniting a passion for politics!
The Gryphon School saw lively political debate this week, as it hosted a ‘Youth in Politics’ debate. The main political parties shared a platform to answer questions from students, and were joined by Jill Hogben, Mayor of Sherborne, and Reverend Dr Christina Le Moignan who chaired the event. Students from neighbouring schools were also invited, with enthusiastic participation from Stanchester Academy, Ansford Academy, Preston School and Westfield Academy, as well as Sherborne School and Sherborne Girls School.
The event which was organised by The Gryphon Sixth Form sought to engage students in politics and it did not disappoint. It was clear from the off that there was a wide range of political spectrum in the audience who dutifully cheered on the politicians and gasped when they did not agree, leading to a lively and active session.
The panel were asked six different questions from the schools attending with each party representative giving a response. Dr Kelvin Clayton, Parliamentary Candidate for the Green Party spoke eloquently about the political system and his views on Proportional Representation and how it would favour younger voters. His position on abolishing tuition fees was welcomed by the audience who wholeheartedly cheered this policy. He told the students to, “…ask the awkward questions (of politicians) and don’t give up the fight.”.
Lee Rhodes, the Labour Candidate at the previous election suggested that unfortunately, the older generation of voters had locked the younger generation into a long struggle. With regard to lowering the voting age, he was definitely in favour of giving the vote to 16 year olds, which again was welcomed by the young audience. However, as a caviat, Mr Rhodes also stated that the voting system had lost touch with young people and that reform was actually more important than the age of voting, to ensure young people entered into politics.
Chris Loder, Chairman of West Dorset Conservatives and a former Gryphon student, said that he believed that rural education was suffering unfairly in comparison to urban schools. He stated that his party was trying its hardest to redress the balance in this area, to give young people in rural communities a better chance. He also agreed that the Conservatives needed to learn from the way that Labour had used social media in a way that was accessible to younger voters and the party had a lots to learn from this approach. This was warmly welcomed by the audience.
Andy Canning, Parliamentary Candidate for the Liberal Democrats suggested that young people tended to veer to left wing parties as they were the vehicle for change. He suggested that older voters were more inclined to keep the status quo as they had already gained from life and this was why there was a generational gap between parties. He gave the students hope by saying that the change could only come from them. “Only you can do it.” He proclaimed to rapturous applause.
After the debate, students put their points forward to the panel, ranging from issues including mental health in schools to qualified voting, from issues with privilege in education, to the role the UK plays in the world. The lively audience were then able to mingle and talk to the politicians over refreshments.
Lee Rhodes said, ““I was delighted to be part of such a marvellous event in West Dorset. The students were clearly well briefed and asked very tough, searching questions on issues that are obviously deeply felt. The discussions afterwards were great too covering the economy, taxation, immigration, counter terrorism and human rights and of course, Brexit. Having taken part in the event, I am filled with hope that the next generation of politicians will be well informed and are clearly, already switched on to politics. I hope these young people do follow up on such an event and engage in wider political debate and start turning those questions, thoughts and beliefs into activism and action. If they do, I think the public will be well served in the future. I would also like to say thank you to the staff at the school for hosting the debate in such a professional way.”
Andy Canning wrote, “The level of knowledge and interest in politics from this youthful audience was outstanding. I was very impressed by the questions that were asked of us and the debates that followed on. I am very grateful to the Gryphon for hosting this event and I hope we will get a chance to do this again in the future.”
Stephen Strowger, who organised the event at The Gryphon said “I am so delighted that we managed to get so many students and politicians together in one place. I am sure this will be a further catalyst to youth politics in the region and ensure that the voice of the younger generation is heard and listened to more in the future”
