Young people need to be listened to says Lib Dem

10.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th Apr 2005

"politicians need to be engaging with young people"

Andrew Simpson Lib Dem candidate for Northampton North took part in a Young peoples Question Time at the Sunley Management Centre in Northampton and pledge his party's commitment to equalising the rights and benefits for under 25's.

"Young people feel they are not being listened to and this is not helped by Government policy that discriminates against under 25's" said Andrew.

Andrew who himself got involved in politics at the age of 18 after feeling frustrated with authorities and people in power telling him what to do and think was taking part in a question time organized by the Young People Now magazine and the YMCA.

"People keep talking down young people and their attitude to politics; they suggest young people are not interested in politics. I dispute that said" Andrew "I think young people are interested in the issues just but don't feel engaged with the political parties. All politicians need to respond by addressing the issues that are important and actually start listening rather than preaching at young people".

The questions from the audience were wide ranging and comprehensive ranging from the situation in Iraq, benefits for young people, NHS and metal health issues.

In response to the questions Andrew outlined some of the main Lib Dem policies for young people including:

• Ending the lower rate of the minimum wage paid to under 21's ensuring all those over the age of 16 get full entitled to the minimum wage.

• Reforming the New Deal to get more young people into work.

• Focus on vocational and skills training

• Giving young people the vote from the age of 16 and allowing them to stand for public office from that age.

• Scarpping tuition and top up fees and bringing in maintenance grants of up to £2,000.