May must learn this lesson: listen to the young
AS AN 18-year-old, I looked forward to actively participating in politics by voting in the General Election because, for the first time, I would be in control of deciding who I felt best represented my ideologies and would support my generation. I cannot help but think that if Theresa May had made greater efforts to appeal to young voters in her manifesto — as Jeremy Corbyn did — perhaps she would not be faced with the chaos that threatens her position. For too long, young people have been ignored by politicians because, apparently, they are simply ‘not interested’ in voting. Perhaps if the political system was taught in schools, more young people would develop a passion for it. Having nearly completed my first year of A-level study — which has been affected by the changes former Education Secretary Michael Gove introduced — I feel as though the Conservatives have sought only to dishearten young people with their illplanned policies. My brother is sitting the new-style GCSEs which, like the new A-levels, have been badly thought out, causing stress and anxiety to students, parents and teachers. Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn’s promise to get rid of tuition fees (which, ironically, his party introduced in 1998) would free students, including myself, from worrying about being able to afford higher education. Out of the two policies, which one was the most appealing to younger people? If any lesson is to be learnt from this election, I hope it will be that the power of young voters must not be underestimated. Along with parents and older people, the voice of every member of society deserves to be heard.
CHLOE BREWSTER, Grantham, Lincs.