National Youth Strategy

Baroness D'Souza Excerpts

Tuesday 10th December 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

The noble Lord makes a really interesting point, and I would be very happy to discuss it further with him next time we meet.

[Baroness D'Souza (CB)]

My Lords, I too very much welcome the Government’s plan to develop a national youth strategy. Does the Minister agree that a major element of such a strategy should be a holistic and consistent approach to citizenship, with a standard curriculum that focuses on interactive and immersive learning? Furthermore, given that the National Citizen Service no longer exists, does she agree that citizenship education would be best located in all primary and secondary schools?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

The noble Baroness makes a really valuable point about the role of citizenship. It is essential that pupils develop an understanding of their place in a democratic society so that they can become responsible citizens in modern Britain. As noble Lords will be aware, the DfE has launched an independent curriculum and assessment review, which will look at exactly the type of issues the noble Baroness raises.