Archbishop of York backs youth manifesto

John Sentamu discussed the manifesto with teenagers at Bishopthorpe Palace

Apprenticeships, university fees and ethical trading all feature in a manifesto written by teenagers and presented to the Archbishop of York.

The document is to be given to the next prime minister on behalf of the archbishop's Youth Trust.

Teenagers from schools in Bradford, York, Leeds, Blackburn and Nottingham were questioned on their proposals by Dr John Sentamu in York on Saturday.

He said their work on the manifesto was "quite wonderful".

Youths from schools across the north of England were encouraged by the trust to apply their religious beliefs to political issues.

They listed wider education opportunities through apprenticeships and a reform of asylum policies as among their priorities.

The group also asked for a minimum wage to be set for fair trade workers and training for the unemployed.

The archbishop said: "What you have done today is quite wonderful. I want to encourage you in your commitment.

"This is exactly what the Youth Trust was set up to do - to help young people make a difference. I will ensure that your nine pledges will be circulated widely".