To address the problem outlined in 1a above “Listen to the Voices” I would like to propose a Parliamentary Assistant Scheme for Westminster. The scheme could be part of a politics or local government qualification at higher level or apprenticeship but the key point is that it would be linked to Constituencies.
Each MP would be allocated 2 or 3 young people under 25 for a number of years, at least one, as a paid assistant or researcher. A major qualification would be that the young person must have spent a significant number of years in education in the Constituency of that MP. In some cases this might mean that only one secondary school would be eligible. The Parliamentary assistants would be the only assistants allowed at the entry level and would be expected to perform relevant research and other work and be included in all aspects of an MPs work.
Straight away an exchange of ideas and experiences would inform policy and MPs would gain valuable insights into the coming generation in their constituency.
Political experience and competence and an understanding of some of the complexities of politics would be built in the young people. The parliamentary assistants would propbably still be in contact with their cohort of friends who might feel that their voices had a channel to influence policy.
With an identifiable group at Westminster events could be organised to contribute to the building of competence in the young people and to allow them to contribute directly to policy issues.
There would be potential for the scheme to be extended to include National devolved governments and regional areas.
Practicalities to be addressed would be the safe guarding of the young people where I would suggest a hostel along the lines of a University hall of residence would be provided complete with councillors and mentors.
The young person would be expected to sign a contract which they would be held to as in any other employment and if they failed then the usual disciplinary procedures would apply.
The scheme could be paid for by reducing the size of the House of Lords and by reducing the Lords daily expenses payments.
The intention of the scheme would be to break the “old boy” system and to seek talent from a wide field of people who would be valued for their variety of life experience because government needs to widen it’s understanding. Jacinda Ardern gained experience in the British Parliament and look how that has turned out.
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