'The Liberal Democrat Youth Taskforce is already exploring this concept which I outlined in a speech in October last year. David Cameron wants to portray himself as a liberal but needs to be careful to attribute his 'ideas' to those who are genuinely doing the fresh thinking.'
Notes to editors:
Charles Kennedy launched the concept of a national scheme of voluntary service for 16 year olds in a speech entitled 'Rebuilding Society' at the Institute of Chartered Engineers on October 31st 2005. Extract from the speech follows:
'I want young people to be visible in their communities, understanding how they work, bringing the generations together, reducing misunderstandings and misperceptions - and with that reducing fear.
'Mark Oaten has talked about a new concept of voluntary service; a scheme which allows all 16 year olds the opportunity to spend a month away from home, in different communities, volunteering for one of hundreds of different projects.
To take a 16 year old, perhaps for the first time, away from his estate or troublesome peer group could create enormous opportunities- because we should remember that not every child has the opportunity of a gap year. While it is right that attention is focussed on exam results, the process should not just stop there.We all have a stake in smoothing the passage of our teenagers into adult society. Our Youth Taskforce will be looking at how this concept could work in practice.'
ENDS
Return to January Press Releases.
Return to Press Releases.