The Minister for Civil Society and Youth's speech at the report
launch for the Youth Select Committee inquiry on Youth Violence
and Social Media.
"Good afternoon everyone. I'm absolutely delighted to be
here.
I'm the Minister for Youth working in the DCMS. We are the lead
department for out of school provision.
What really strikes me about all the work you do and the things
you talk about in this report is that they are cross-Government.
You'll know that this Government has taken a mission based
approach and we want to work across Government to get things
done.
I'm really grateful for all the efforts that have gone into this
and the months of hard work. I know you had some of my colleagues
in front of you and I look forward to reading this report in
detail.
It comes at a very timely moment because there's been a national
debate with Adolescence on Netflix which has shone a light on
just how devastating and complex some of these issues can be.
So I really do welcome the challenge provided by the report and I
want to say very clearly that we want to listen to young people.
But not just listen but put young people at the heard of decision
making.
So this also comes at a timely moment because we've launched our
National Youth Strategy and we are in the middle of that
engagement.
There are lots of ways people can get involved. I did an event in
my own constituency in Barnsley last week where I spoke to the
Barnsley Youth Council and answered lots of their
questions.
I know they are going to be doing a particular event just on the
Strategy which is fantastic, and there will be lots of groups
like that. I would really encourage you as leaders of your
communities to get involved in this.
We are very clear that wherever you are from, whatever your
postcode, whether you are engaged in a youth organisation or not,
we want to hear from you.
That's why we launched our digital postcards. It is designed so
you can do it on paper or on your phone or computer.
And it is one idea you have for the Government, one thing you
would like to see changed, so that hopefully everybody can have
an input into our Youth Strategy.
We will be publishing it in the summer and we want to work
cross-party. We appreciate there are issues that affect young
people; you want the same access to healthcare, you want to
liaise with public services. Whatever it is, it is important that
we as a Government listen to young people.
I look forward to reading the report and want to thank all
everyone that has been involved: the NYA, Parliamentary Clerks
and all of you. Hopefully it will lead to change."
