STUDENTS and politicians are set to debate why politics fails to interest young people at a 'Question Time' style event in Tavistock next week.
The 'Big Debate' has been organised by Involve, WestDEN's youth and democracy project and the motion to be discussed will be: 'Young people have nothing to gain from getting involved in politics.'
Speakers include David Walters, prospective parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrats in West Devon and Torridge, Robyn Ough, deputy UK youth parliamentarian for the constituency and Mandy Govier, West Devon borough councillor.
The debate will be held on March 1 at the Octagon Theatre in Tavistock College and fifth and sixth formers from the Tavistock, Okehampton and Kelly Colleges have been invited.
Involve project manager Mo Morel said: There seems to be a view that young people are apathetic and have no interest in politics. This debate aims to explore why politics fails to engage young people and to suggest ways forward.
"Many young people care passionately about a wide variety of issues. This debate will provide an excellent platform for students to express their opinions and to question the politicians about their commitment to issues affecting young people.'