Luke Charters-Reid: Younger voices are needed in political debate

I’ve heard everything from “yes, that’s exactly what we need – more young people in politics”
to “you’re a bit too young to
be doing this, aren’t you?”

I believe both reactions are partly correct.

On the one hand, it’s true that the average age of an MP is around 50. On the other hand, the average age of the population is much younger than this – by around a decade. And further still, since at least the Victorian era, the Conservatives, Labour, the Lib Dems, and more parties have had candidates elected to Parliament in their 20s. If Parliament is to look more like Britain, it desperately needs more young MPs.

There are many new issues that a younger generation faces that don’t get enough attention from older politicians. School leavers are anxious about what to do with their future, university students face pressure in a difficult job market and young families are worried about finding affordable homes. In
this fast-paced age of social media, rapid technological change and anxiety about the future, we need more MPs that speak the language of young people.

The net effect will not only be a more prosperous generation of millennials, but also a more secure older generation. As I have learnt in helping to look after both my mother and grandmother after illness, it
is of seminal importance that younger generations care for their older relatives. A wealthier younger generation will be able to pay the taxes needed to keep pensions safe. An innovative younger generation will be at the forefront of cutting-edge research to eradicate diseases, combating climate change and creating a more inclusive economy.

I first became interested in politics in my early teenage years as I interned for former York Central MP, Sir Hugh Bayley. This internship was really a matter of chance as I wasn’t chosen for my other work experience placements.

Sir Hugh was first elected to Parliament before I was even born, but his enthusiasm was always as great as mine. I remember jogging up and down a street in York with him, as we were both eager to speak to as many people as we could before the day was over. I remember his impeccable knowledge of all the complex case work that he was doing for his constituents. I remember when he told me his old stories of his days as a councillor, and how he explained the failure of the SDP.

Of all politicians, it is Sir Hugh who I most admire. He embodies the best of our politics: he was incredibly active in Parliament, he sincerely listened to all types of people, he cared deeply about his constituents and it was always the constituents who came first above the party. If I am elected, I would follow his example and put the views of the people of York first – the people of York would be my boss, and I would be accountable to them alone.

Apart from politics, I work for the family business which is a leading chartered surveying firm in our region. Older generations have been able to build a bit of wealth up through their home – now young people can’t even get on the housing ladder. Those that can often have to get help from the Bank of Mum and Dad. Now it is time to put politics aside 
and it is time we had an affordable housing strategy. We must build hundreds of thousands more homes in the next decade to give families 
the security in life that they deserve. Indeed, politicians of all parties must recognise that all British families aspire to one day own their own home for their family.

As a student of politics, I realise elections are complex – they are not simply about one issue such as housing – or even one generation of people. I hope, however, that this election helps to bring the different generations together.

People have praised me for my youthful vision, others have criticised me for my age; still, my age is not indicative of my determination to do better for York, my aspiration to represent all of York, and
my steadfast conviction that I can.

It’s time for all age groups to look out for each other, to listen to each other, and to learn from each other, just as how I was lucky enough to learn from Sir Hugh. To ensure that all of Britain is heard, I will be the MP
who brings the voices of the young and the old into conversation.

Luke Charters-Reid, 21, is the Labour candidate for York Outer.