20 November 2013
In exclusive interviews with BBC Three’s Free Speech the Deputy Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition have spoken up on voter apathy and engaging young people.
To be broadcast from Westminster Hall tonight at 8pm, as part of a discussion on voter engagement, Nick Clegg described his frustration at the archaic and macho language used in Westminster.
“I think there are lots of people, of all generations who look at the kind of Yaboo macho language of Westminster and just think the whole thing is like a different species, yelling at each other across the gangway in Westminster.
“I long for a day when politics is actually done in our language in Westminster, which is a normal language rather than this archaic, shouty, 19th century language.”
When asked why young people should be encouraged to vote he said, “I think people should vote because at the end of the day governments don’t do everything, nor should they, governments can’t fix everything, nor should anyone think they can, but actually governments and who’s in government makes a difference to the way taxes are structured, how education is funded, to the stance we take on international affairs, to the efforts we make to protect the environment.”
The programme which will broadcast live from Parliament also sees Ed Miliband discussing his views on the much discussed topic of young people voting. He calls for the voting age to be lowered and admits that politics is not considered fashionable.
He said, “We need to hear the voices of young people better in our democracy, that why I’ve said we want to see votes for 16 and 17 year olds, because I think it’s right we take that step. Citizenship education in schools for young people and extending the vote to 16 and 17 year olds so we properly engage young people in our democracy. Frankly only by hearing their voice in our politics will our politics change, and I’m determined we do that.”
Miliband continued, “I know it’s not fashionable but please engage in politics. I want you [young people] to vote for the Labour party but I want you to engage in politics even more. I want you engaged in our democracy, because you know, it’s easy to complain about things and the way the country’s run, unless you get engaged you can’t change things, and I happen to believe it’s not just leaders who change things, it’s the voices of people that change things and the votes of people, so that’s why I’d urge people to get engaged and register to vote.”
Tonight's edition of Free Speech will be hosted from inside the Houses of Parliament as part of Parliament Week. The programme, hosted by Rick Edwards, sees panellists including Labour and Co-operative MP for Walthamstow Stella Creasy, and Conservative MP for North East Somerset, Jacob Rees-Mogg, discuss topics including long term unemployment and overseas aid, as they face questions from the audience of 18-30 year-olds.
Free Speech offers viewers the chance to have their voice heard with Tina Daheley gathering the Twitter, Facebook and website messages live on air. To follow the debate and get involved go to bbc.co.uk/freespeech; facebook.com/bbcfreespeech; @bbcfreespeech; #freespeech
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