Youth bashing past time must stop

9.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 19th Jul 2006

Young people wearing hoodies have become the government's scapegoat under their 'respect' agenda

Northampton Liberal Democrats have backed calls from the Lib Dem Youth spokesperson, Jenny Willott MP to stop 'youth bashing'. Commenting on the 'Time to Listen to the Voice Behind the Hood' report from the British Youth Council and Youthnet showing the extent to which young people feel they are negatively portrayed Jenny Willott said:

"This report puts its finger on the pulse of young people and gives them a chance to speak for themselves. Its recommendations must be taken seriously by journalists, politicians and charities involved with youth work.

"David Cameron's 'hug a hoodie' campaign, apart from making most young people in the UK cringe, actually reinforces the image that most young people wearing hoodies are troublesome, difficult and anti-social creatures.

"Young people, like everyone else, want to have opportunities and to be treated with respect. Unfortunately, 'young people bashing' has become something of a national pastime, one that we must snap out of."