Citizen Participation

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:33 pm on 2 March 2021.

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Photo of Delyth Jewell Delyth Jewell Plaid Cymru 1:33, 2 March 2021

Democracy only works properly if the demos, or the people, participate. Over the past year, because of the pandemic, more and more people are aware of devolution, but that progress is fragile. We need action now, surely, to make sure people aren't just aware of decisions being made here, but that they feel engaged. First Minister, if we look at young people, 16 and 17-year-olds have an exciting opportunity this year to vote for the first time, but political education is still not a required topic in the curriculum. In the coming years, I too would love to see more citizens assemblies for young people to promote engagement, but this year needs action now. Pupils are drilled about Tudor governance, but the system used today to elect the Government isn't always properly explained. So, do you think there's an opportunity within the school day this year to ensure that all first-time voters will be able to learn about this before the election, and, in the longer term, shouldn't political education be required to be taught?