London: War protest

Protests against the war in Iraq by school children came to symbolise the awakening of a politicised generation earlier this year. But what has become of their enthusiasm six months on?

Protests against the war in Iraq symbolised a new politicised generation

How many have fallen by the wayside and forgotten the strength of feeling that drove them to make a public stand?

A campaign organised by a group of six formers in Brent caught the nation's imagination.

Hands Up for Peace received decorated paper hands from young people all over the country and took them to Parliament.

They wanted to participate in the democratic process as they were too young to vote, and they wanted the government to listen.

Citizenship workshops

Over the summer their ideas have multiplied. Now they are going into schools in Brent to teach citizenship workshops to children in years 5 and 6.

At the end of the three week programme they will be joined by the new Brent MP, Sarah Teather.

As part of the national curriculum they studied citizenship but felt that it failed them and taught them little more than the number of seats in the European Parliament.

They believe young people are often so disillusioned by their lack of power that even after 18 they do not attempt to use their vote, which is why they want to reach out early and change the image of politics.

The Politics Show London takes a look at what they are doing and asks what politicians can learn from them.

The Politics Show

Join BBC London's Political Editor Tim Donovan on BBC One on Sundays from midday.

He will ask if the planned reforms for the capital's fire service will truly make London a safer city.

And what message do grassroots activists in London have for Tony Blair ahead of the party conference?

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