Youth Cabinet Induction Day

On Friday 1st June we met for the first time as a new Youth Cabinet and took part in an induction day to get to know each other; learn more about the role of the youth cabinet; difference decision-makers in the Vale of Glamorgan; and the structure of the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

We also met with Alun Cairns MP and talked about his role as Member of Parliament and Secretary of State for Wales.  We discussed lots of issues such as Brexit, Votes at 16 and the electrification of the rail network in Wales.  We also met Councillor Bob Penrose, Cabinet Member for Learning & Skills in the Vale of Glamorgan to learn more about his portfolio.  I think we will be working quite closely in the future.

We are looking forward to our first meeting as a newly elected youth cabinet in June to start planning thinking our term of office and what we want to work on.

Carwyn Connect

Three youth cabinet members had the opportunity to attend Carwyn Connect in Barry and had the chance to take part in a Q&A session with the First Minister.  The room was packed and with protesters outside the building protesting the new incinerator in Barry we knew it would be an interesting evening!  Although the incinerator was a hot topic we all had the opportunity to ask our questions to the First Minister:

1. Does the assembly have plans to aid in the day to day integration of the Welsh language in our country? 
2. Will there be any changes regarding how the Welsh Government / National Assembly is run due to the recent triggering of article 50?
3. What are the Assembly's plans for introducing votes at 16 especially with the new Wales Bill, and how is the assembly going to ensure that young people have sufficient political knowledge to enable them to vote?  

And here's an overview of what the First Minister responded: 

1. The biggest challenge is young people speaking Welsh outside a school environment.  We've been successful in getting more children to go to Welsh schools but not speak outside them in a natural way.  We've opened after school clubs for a more natural environment.
2. We can't change the vote and the best thing to do is to work hard on maintaining the Welsh identity.  What will happen to the UK is unsure and is really in the hands of other countries like Germany.  There will be no immediate change to the Senedd so far.  
3. A vote will be held in the Senedd to allow 16 year olds to vote.  'Fake News' makes it difficult for young people to be genuinely informed.  A worry is that young people will make and form their political beliefs from poor sources.  This does not just affect young people but all ages.