Headsup - Political Debate for Young People

The Hansard Society have been in touch with us to let us know about a new project they're running this year designed to encourage and stimulate debate about key political and economic issues.Headsup is an online forum for under 18's to debate political issues with their peers up and down the country, and with influential decision-makers. According to the Hansard Society, Headsup is:a safe, student-oriented space where young people become more informed about political issues, improve their discussion skills and let adults with political influence know what they think. Debate topics are chosen by the young people and have included a range of subjects, such as; immigration, crime, the NHS, climate change and international aid

The upcoming debate during October 2012 is focused on the issue of cuts to government spending. As the debate intro explains:

The cuts to public services have been high on the political agenda since the Coalition government came to power. David Cameron and Nick Clegg are adamant that the economic situation can only be solved by cutting public spending and reducing the amount we pay on our debts as a country.

However not everyone agrees that the cuts are necessary or that spending should be cut as quickly as planned. Trade unions and other organisations have held marches and protests against the cuts in many towns and cities across the UK. One of these organisations is UK Uncut who believe that not enough is being done to stop big corporations avoiding paying their fair share of taxes.

This forum will discuss the big issues around the economic crisis, the cuts and how they affect you. There is lots of information here to help you learn about the economic problems that face the UK and what solutions have been suggested to get us back on the road to a healthy economy....