Following on from the same theme as my last article, July 19th saw pupils from St George’s School came into Parliament to present the results of their project on young people and knife crime. We had an important discussion about why some young people are drawn towards gangs and to carrying weapons, and agreed that, while there are no easy solutions, we have to do much more to strengthen communities and build bridges between schools and neighbourhoods, with more activities for young people. Effective policing and sentencing policies are clearly part of the solution, but not the only answer.

Karen is always hugely enthusiastic about bringing groups of children and young people coming to Parliament, both to look around and to have the chance to discuss the issues of concern to them.

Karen recently signed an Early Day Motion in the House calling for more positive images of young people and encouragement of dialogue with young people on issues that affect them:

That this House supports young people’s call for an end to negative representations of youth; applauds the work of organisations such as the British Youth Council and online charity YouthNet that empower young people to speak out on issues that they say affect them; acknowledges that only a small minority of young people behave in an anti-social manner; believes that the media do not give young people enough recognition for the positive things they do; and urges hon. Members to ensure that young people’s views are represented in public debate by creating opportunities for their input such as holding youth surgeries and visiting schools, colleges and universities.