Finchley A-Level student Rudy Hammond looks at what the election results mean for young people in Barnet

The UK houses of parliament, viewed from across the road at the top of The Mall — The palace of Westminster – home to the UK’s houses of parliament

The UK is now firmly into a Labour premiership. On 4th July, the party secured the largest parliamentary majority in 27 years and returned to power for the first time since 2010.

At a local level, this historic election saw all three main constituencies in Barnet turn red. But despite this seismic shift in votes, turnout – especially amongst young people – was dismally low.

So, what exactly is the new Labour government and its Barnet MPs promising for young people who continue to feel disengaged and disillusioned?

One manifesto pledge that is set to have a profound impact on young people is the lowering of the minimum voting age to 16. This change would see an additional 11,000 young people in Barnet eligible to vote, but is this such a good thing?

In the 2019 General Election, only 47% of people aged 18-25 voted (with similar figures predicted for the most recent election). These statistics appear to suggest that many do not feel mature or informed enough to vote at 18. Therefore, lowering the threshold to 16 could be seen as useless or even harmful to our democracy. Public opinion backs-ups this sceptical view, with only 28% in favour of the switch.

So, what are Labour’s reasons for implementing this seemingly unpopular policy? When Barnet Post put that question to Sarah Sackman, the newly elected MP for Finchley and Golders Green said: “There is so much you can do when you turn 16; you can work, join the army and open a bank account” and, she believes, on this basis: “It is time for 16-year-olds to participate in politics too.”

In Barnet, the change would most likely lead to an increase in Labour and Green Party votes. With Labour winning by just 15 votes in Hendon last month, extra support next time round would be much valued.

Barnet Post talked to two local young people about their views on the issue. Both were supportive of the change: “I think the vote should be extended to 16+ because it allows a greater voice for young people, most of whom are just as competent as 18-year-olds and decisions dictated by votes have just as big of an effect on them,” said Nim, 17.

Harry, also 17, said: “I believe that there may be some years in the beginning where there may be a slight lag as 16-year-olds in the country grow accustomed to being involved in this country’s politics, however it will encourage the younger generations to be more aware of politics in general. I also believe the bigger question is whether there should be a cut-off age for voting.”

A major issue that affects all young people, not just those aged 16 or 17, is the current state of education. All over Barnet, schools are severely lacking in resources. Children are being taught in temporary buildings with not enough teachers and very little funding. This bleak picture of state education is often what pushes those who can afford it, to send their children to a private school.

Sadly, this increases polarisation between the rich and the less affluent. Labour’s plan to end the tax break on VAT for private schools aims to shift money from the private sector into the state school system, thus improving standards and tackling inequality.

With 35 private schools scattered across the borough of Barnet, the introduction of this levy will have a prominent impact. Critics from the Conservative Party argue that the addition of VAT on school fees will put even more pressure on state schools as well as limiting parental choice.

These claims are flatly refuted by Labour, who argue that the plan will generate £1.5billion a year to be funnelled into state schools. With polls indicating that 57% of people are in favour of the policy, Labour is set to prioritise the implementation of this plan. However, with over 7000 children attending private schools located in Barnet alone, it is bound to be met with some opposition.

Local young people that Barnet Post talked to were also cautiously supportive of this policy. Sarah, 17, said: “If the VAT is used to redistribute wealth across the education system, it could have a positive impact in reducing educational inequality. The revenue could be used for infrastructure, facilities, resources, and teacher salaries. This would attract better and more teachers to state schools and foster social cohesion by integrating children from different backgrounds.”

And Rosa, also 17, said: “It should hopefully help to fund the 6,500 teachers in the short term, as Labour have promised. In the long term, I hope that it is a step towards equal school systems and the ending of private schools, meaning fairer education.”

It seems that Labour has already made a steady start in government, taking decisive action in many areas. Talking to the Evening Standard last month, Sackman compared her new experience in parliament to how she imagined “freshers’ week in Hogwarts”, but if Labour intend to build on this fantasy feeling, securing the support of young people is vitally important.

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