Young voters have 'lost faith'

Young people in England are more interested in politics

Young voters are not very interested in politics despite opportunities created by devolution, researchers say.

Political apathy was more noticeable in Scotland and Wales than in England, according to a study on new voters by the Economic and Social Research Council.

Researchers Matt Henn and Mark Weinstein from Nottingham Trent University said: "Young voters said the political parties have failed to meet their political aspirations."

Mr Henn, a political scientist, told BBC News Online: "The implication of the survey is that young people have lost faith in the democratic process in England and Wales".

'Not listening'

He said the study shows that young people think politicians are "self serving people in whom voters have little faith or trust."

"Politicians are cynical - they only talk to young people when they need their votes," he said.

But the researchers also said the results painted a picture of British youth who were keen to play an active role in the political process, but turned off by politicians.

Engaged sceptics

Political parties must come out and speak directly to the youth in schools

Matt Henn
Political scientist

"Young people today could be described as engaged sceptics," the researchers said.

Many young people are expected to vote for the first time in the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and the UK local elections on 1 May.

Speaking about the 2001 general election, 48% of the young people surveyed said they were interested in the election, while 17% had no interest.

About 54% said they would discuss politics with family members and friends in the future.

Positive approach

The postal survey of 705 young voters aged 18 and 19 focused on views on the democratic process and party politics.

The paper said the main political parties must take a more positive approach in their attempts to connect with young people.

Mr Henn said: "The political parties must come out and speak directly to the youth in schools because young people feel that politicians are not listening to them."

However, the higher level of interest shown by young people in England was due to a better understanding of "political affairs and the way democracy works," the Nottingham Trent University researchers said.

The study on young voters' apathy was supported by a grant of more than £30,000 from Britain's Economic and Social Research Council.