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By Freddie Coughlin, Chair of POLITIKA (Radix Big Tent's Youth Wing)
This was the question that we at Politika asked ourselves back in the winter of 2024.
Of course these were, and still are, important issues, but they’re unlikely to spark engagement and discussion amongst young people.
In fact, we felt there was very little out there to encourage and support school pupils to engage with national issues and policy in an interesting way. Our response was to launch a national policy ideas competition. The competition reframes ‘policy’ to focus on ‘ideas’. After all, policies start as ideas before navigating the journey from conception to implementation.
So we encouraged 16-18 year olds to view UK politics constructively and creatively, asking them what problems they see, and what ideas might help solve them.
The response was remarkable.
Entrants wrote their ideas on any number of important issues, combining genuinely innovative solutions with high level research and clear communication. But we wanted these ideas to be heard.
After speaking with Alastair Campbell from the Rest is Politics, he and Rory Stewart urged young people to take up this challenge over their summer holidays. Endorsing the competition on their podcast, they also committed to discuss the winning idea on a future episode, elevating it in front of millions. It affirmed what we seek to champion that young people must be handed the microphone and listened to within UK politics.
Rosie Halsall’s winning idea which tackled barriers to women’s participation in sport, was indeed not only mentioned on the Rest is Politics, but led to further engagement with industry and government. Working with Radix Big Tent, Rosie had discussions with her local MP, Sheffield United F.C., local academy trusts, and sports bra company Boobydoo - who she continues to work with on turning the idea into a reality.
The competition is now in its second year, having once more been endorsed by the Rest is Politics. Applications are open until 20th September to any 16-18 year old (18 from the time of the competition start - May 20).
So if you are between 16-18, or know someone who is, get involved and submit your entry by clicking HERE.