How young people want the future to look

3.31.57pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 17th Jul 2008

This week Reform and Ipsos MORI launched a report on young people and politics, which argues that the values of young people can transform government for the better.

The report suggests that government could be transformed for the better if it took on some of the values of this generation, becoming a more open and human government, a government that provides principled leadership and professionalism, and one which communicates in exciting ways.

Commenting on the report Sue said, "It's not surprising that entertainment is essential for this generation. If government wants to engage young people they need to be communicating in innovative and exciting ways and for this to happen it is clear that Government and politicians must get to grips with modern communications technology.

"The report certainly makes for an interesting read and highlights an important sector of society that is often ignored or not taken seriously by government and policy makers. Contrary to the stereotype, this research found that young people are actually open, generous and tolerant, and that they are eager to engage in politics and improve society.

"What I found particularly interesting about the findings is that actually much of what it said is just as applicable to other age groups too. For example, it's not just the 'IPOD' generation who consider value for money and localised, personalised services as key to them and who want a government that provides leadership".