Henry Smith MP has given his support to the Stand Up Be Counted campaign, organised by Sky News to engage 16-25 year olds in politics and current affairs ahead of next year’s general election.

Henry said;

“It is great to see that Sky News have put together the Stand Up Be Counted campaign. It is vital that more young people are aware of how politics has an impact on everyday life.

“For my part, one of the joys of this job is being able to go to Crawley schools and youth groups and have a discussion with young people about local and national issues. Some of the most challenging and erudite questions I face are from our town’s young people.

“As well as giving my views and explaining how the House of Commons works, it is a vital part of my role to listen to what young people have to say. It is also a pleasure to invite these groups up to the Palace of Westminster, and show them around the historic arena of where Members of Parliament sit.”

Stand Up Be Counted is a digital platform that allows young people to have their say on any issue affecting them, or that impacts the while country. The website also has an easily accessible link to the official voter registration page on the Government website, where people can take just five minutes to register to vote.

John Ryley, Head of Sky News, said of the campaign;

“Not only is it a place where young people can share their thoughts but it also means that we can help amplify their voices and make them a genuine part of our Sky News content.

“We would like thousands of young people across the country, from every constituency, to share their thoughts with us, as they already do on their social networks.”

Henry continued;

“One of the great things about social media is that it allows everyone in public life to have a discussion with a much wider range of people than before. It is great to use these methods to hear what people have to say.

“As ever, if any young people do have any areas of concern, and would like a more substantial response than can be given via social media, I would encourage them to either write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, or to email me directly at [email protected].”

For more information on the Stand Up Be Counted campaign, please visit www.skynews.com/standupbecounted. To register to vote, please visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. 

Notes

The full article from John Ryley, Head of Sky News, can be read here.