Young Londoners set out demands for a safer capital

A manifesto setting out what young people want politicians and the police to do to deliver a safer London has been launched today by the London Serious Youth Violence Board.

The Young Londoners’ Manifesto sets out what young people need from the police, from schools, councils, adults and their families to help them feel safe.

Key demands include a more visible and approachable police force, for councils to challenge negative views of young people in the press, and for schools and colleges to provide people with a range of activities after hours.

But it also sets out how young people themselves should behave to be granted respect by adults – warning that young people shouldn’t look to make other people afraid and that group behaviour can be intimidating.

The Manifesto was initially developed at the Board’s summit in December by pupils from several London schools, but contributions have also been made by other young people from pupil referral units and in contact with youth offending teams.

Last year, the London Serious Youth Violence Board revealed that one in four young people are worried about knife crime in London, and most say they would like a greater police presence on the streets.

Using this as a starting point, the Board helped young people from across the capital set out what would make them feel safer through workshops and a ‘virtual summit’.

Underpinning the Manifesto demands is a set of five key aspirations; young people want:
To feel safe – and to look forward with hope
To know what is going on locally – and have a say in finding solutions to problems
To be advised on how to keep safe
To be known as individuals – not just labelled
To know there is someone who wants to help if we have problems and for people not to condemn us.

Robert, one of the joint chairs at the Manifesto’s launch event, and a student at Oaks Park school in Redbridge said: "The young people involved were clear they are proud to be Londoners and are looking forward to the Olympics - but want to make London even safer - and that is a job for everyone."

Chairman of the London Serious Youth Violence Board Will Tuckley said: “The young people who have worked so hard to contribute to this manifesto are wonderful examples of the thoughtful and compassionate young Londoners that can be found across the capital.

“We hope that we can encourage schools and local authorities across London to carry out a similar exercise so that they know what they need to do to help keep young people safe. This is the time to listen to these young people – their views matter.”

Cabinet Office Minister Dawn Butler MP said: “I welcome the views of young people about tackling youth violence in London as I believe it is essential that they play a part in shaping the future of their city. Young people have so many great ideas about how to improve our communities and it is important that they are given the chance to express their opinions about the decisions which affect them."

London Councils’ Executive Member for Children and Young People Councillor Nick Stanton said: “This document raises a series of important challenges to all of us working in London to help young people feel and stay safe. I would like to congratulate all of the young people involved for setting out their hopes and ideas with such clarity. I’m sure that all local authorities in London will take their views very seriously.”

Tim Godwin, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, said: "The MPS is committed to doing everything in its power to keep young people safe and out of trouble. One of the key challenges in this ambition is being able to understand and respond to what is happening and the levels of fear within young communities.

“I welcome this manifesto and applaud the effort put into it by all those involved. I hope this will be the start of a greater dialogue between young people and the agencies who serve London."