Introduction

The upcoming general election in the UK has sparked a wave of opinions and insights from the youth, particularly those under 18 who are not eligible to vote. This article investigates what young people across England, Northern Ireland, and beyond are hoping to see from their future government. Additionally, we explore the exciting new sport of climbing, featured in the upcoming Olympic Games, and examine a unique initiative in Scotland that rewards environmental responsibility.

What Do Young People Want from the Next Government?

As the general election approaches, young people are voicing their concerns and desires regarding governmental policies that affect their lives. Below are some of the key issues raised by youths from England and Northern Ireland.

Environmental Concerns

Many young individuals are passionate about environmental issues and have expressed the need for the government to take more action in this area. Key points include:

• Increased investment in solar panels and wind turbines.
• Making electric cars more affordable to promote a shift away from petrol and diesel vehicles.
• Enhancing cycling infrastructure with more bike lanes and affordable bicycles.
• Implementing stricter regulations on vaping and smoking to protect youth health.
• Raising sugar taxes on junk food to combat health issues associated with poor diets.

Safety and Crime

Concerns about safety in communities are prevalent, particularly regarding rising knife crime rates. Young people have suggested:

• Increasing police presence in neighborhoods.
• Creating trusted support systems for youth to report crimes.
• Encouraging community involvement to foster a safer environment.

Spotlight on Climbing as an Olympic Sport

The Olympic Games are just around the corner, and climbing is one of the exciting new sports making its debut. With the inclusion of disciplines such as bouldering, speed climbing, and lead climbing, interest in this sport has surged among youth.

The Journey of Young Climber Toby Roberts

At just 19 years old, Toby Roberts is making waves in the climbing community and will represent Great Britain at the upcoming Olympics. His experience highlights:

1. The thrill of competition and the drive to win.
2. The importance of resilience and learning from failures.
3. How climbing can be a fun, inclusive sport that welcomes all skill levels.

Encouraging Young Climbers

Toby emphasizes the importance of local climbing gyms and encourages young people to get involved in the sport. His message resonates with aspiring climbers who are keen to follow in his footsteps.

Addressing Youth Concerns in Northern Ireland

Young people in Northern Ireland have shared their perspectives on pressing issues such as inflation, poverty, and the need for integrated communities. Here are their main concerns:

Economic Challenges

Many youths expressed frustration over rising living costs and the impact of inflation. They noted:

• The increasing difficulty in affording basic necessities.
• The shrinking size of products while prices continue to rise.
• The alarming rate of child poverty in the UK.

Community Integration

There is a strong desire for unity within Northern Ireland, with calls to address historical divisions in education and community life. Young people advocate for:

• More integrated schools that reflect a united society.
• Opportunities for dialogue and understanding among different communities.

Fact or Fake News: The Scottish Initiative

In an intriguing initiative, Scottish councils have partnered with an app to reward citizens for responsible waste disposal. The program allows adults to upload photos of themselves putting rubbish in bins for a chance to win £100 in a monthly draw. This initiative aims to combat littering effectively.