House of Commons · Westminster Hall
20 November 2024 · 7 other contributors · 4,228 words
Opened by John Slinger Lab Rugby
Responding minister: Catherine McKinnell
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
John Slinger raised concerns about government and democracy education in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Slinger asks the government to confirm citizenship as a statutory subject at all stages of the national curriculum, provide guidance and resources to schools on what they are expected to teach, ensure coherence across the maintained sector, reform progress 8 measures, incentivize training for specialist teachers in citizenship education.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The education of government and democracy in schools is critical for the functioning of a healthy democratic society. John Slinger highlights that only 16% of 16 to 17-year-olds are on the electoral register, while 39% of 16 to 24-year-olds say they are not interested in politics. He also notes a decline in citizenship education since its introduction as a statutory subject and the need for better resourced and prioritized teaching.
Initiatives like a student conference of the parties in his constituency underscore how integrating government and democracy education into the school curriculum can empower young people to become informed, active citizens.
Enhancing political and democratic education could serve to enhance the entire political system, ensuring that people get the support they need from the appropriate representative with confidence.
The current curriculum and assessment review is a fantastic opportunity to ensure steps to improve political literacy are built into our future education system, part of rebuilding trust in politics.
The Co-operative party and movement are keen to see co-operatives as part of young people's political and economic education, helping them learn about different models of ownership and democracy.
There is a disconnect between young people and the political system that needs addressing, possibly through mandatory modules in learning for life and work courses.
Local government, alongside central Government, should form part of this education as local government affects people's lives on a day-to-day basis.
Young people are very engaged in their local community and raise important issues that reflect the society they experience, with responsiveness from this place giving them a greater connection to changes they can make. In her visits, young people have raised serious issues such as knife crime and the health impacts of vaping. She questions the idea that young people are disconnected from societal realities but highlights their separation from political systems.
Government Response
Catherine McKinnellI warmly congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Rugby (John Slinger) on securing this timely debate on an incredibly important subject and recognise the significance of UK Parliament Week in engaging young people with democracy. I highlight that the Labour Government previously introduced citizenship education to the national curriculum at key stages 3 and 4, ensuring pupils learn about parliamentary democracy, constitutional elements, government power, and active citizenship skills. Schools have flexibility to cover a range of issues including political movements and parties as part of their democracy discussions, supported by resources from Educate Against Hate and Oak National Academy. The Government's independent curriculum and assessment review aims to break down barriers for disadvantaged youth and those with special educational needs, with an interim report due in early 2025 and final recommendations published in autumn 2025. I encourage engagement through the call for evidence closing this Friday and participation in live events around the country.