BARONESS Doreen Lawrence urged youngsters at South Essex College to vote at the forthcoming election, because the outcome will affect their future. She visited the new College campus in Grays as part of a drive to encourage students to vote in the General Election this May. She is the mother of teenager Stephen Lawrence who was murdered in a racist attack more than 20 years ago. Since then she has campaigned for police reform.
Baroness Lawrence said. “This election is hugely important for young people. Most young people I talk to think politics doesn’t concern them but it does. The outcome of this election will determine their future affecting everything from jobs to education, housing to health. During this election campaign I want to encourage young people to make their voices heard.
Thurrock Labour have been reaching out to young people on the doorstep, at sixth forms and colleges across the constituency. With introduction of individual registration across the country thousands of people aged between 18 and 24 have fallen off the register, many without realising.
Polly Billington, Labour’s candidate for Thurrock, said “Young people really care about political issues. Even though they might not realise it, they have a role to play in the political process. We must make sure they are registered to vote and their voice is heard. Young people in Thurrock have a golden vote, they can decided who governs this country.”
She went on to say, “It is an honour to have Baroness Doreen Lawrence at the college in Grays. She is an inspirational figure who shows that one person can make a big difference. I hope that students will take away the message that politics can change things if people engage with it. “
Baroness Lawrence was made a life peer in 2013, after years of campaigning for police reform. She also founded the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, which helps young people overcome disadvantage through education and training.
