Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alex Baker and Florence Eshalomi

Monday 7th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Alex Baker (Aldershot) (Lab)]

6. What steps her Department is taking to encourage greater participation by young people in democratic processes.

[The Minister for Homelessness, Democracy, Communities and Faith (Florence Eshalomi)]

rose—

--- Later in debate ---

[Florence Eshalomi]

I thank my hon. Friend for her question and for all her work highlighting this important issue, and I am happy to reiterate my commitment on Report. As she noted in that debate, the Government have indicated their readiness to act during the passage of the Bill so that visually impaired voters can vote independently and in secret. We will continue to work with her and other hon. Members to deliver that outcome.

[Alex Baker]

This summer I had great conversations with the latest cohort of work experience students from Farnborough sixth form college, who came to spend time in my office. They all agreed that their citizenship education from the various local secondary schools they had attended was a bit hit and miss in terms of what they had been taught about how democracy works, and how they can participate in it. Does the Minister agree that if we want more young people to engage with our democracy, we must give them the knowledge and confidence to do so? What more can the Government do to ensure that young people leave school understanding how they can make their voices heard?

[Florence Eshalomi]

I thank my hon. Friend for the work she has highlighted. When we are going out and speaking to young people across schools and sixth forms, it is important to ensure that they are equipped. We want them to engage with the democratic process and to ensure that they continue that into adulthood. That means equipping and empowering them with the knowledge and understanding that they need. The Education Secretary is considering recommendations for the curriculum and an assessment review, alongside the Government’s ambition to transform technical education from 14 through to 16. We expect there to be a full public consultation on proposals for the curriculum, and an assessment in due course.