§ Vernon CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to encourage more young people to vote; and if she will make a statement. [23327]
§ Mr. DenhamI have asked the Children and Young People's Unit to work with young people to identify what needs to change to encourage more young people to vote and to develop an agenda for action. On 29 October a group of young people came together from across England to present their initial views to Government, the Electoral Commission and representatives of political parties. The unit, working closely with the Electoral Commission and the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, will be extending the consultation with young people and key stakeholders over the coming months with a view to producing conclusions and recommendations for further action in the spring of 2002.