Youth is key to a Fair Green Future - German

12.00.00am GMT Sat 10th Mar 2007

Mike German will tell activists that they hold the key to building a fairer, greener future for Wales in his keynote speech to the Welsh Liberal Democrats' Spring Conference today.

The speech will look at the role of young people in society, and how to create a culture of 'joining in', where everyone in Wales has opportunities to fulfil their potential.

Mr German will say: "Wales deserves better. Our vision is of a fair, green future. It is a positive message. A message of hope, not fear.

"A message for a healthier country, a safer country, a wiser country and a greener country. So many times in the past we have won the argument, but lost the vote. Those times are in the past.

"Our programme for government is radical and deliverable. And we know we can win in all parts of Wales. Do not be distracted from our mission. We know Wales deserves better. And we intend to deliver it. "

Addressing low rates of voting among young people, Mr German will call for greater opportunities rather than further demonisation of young people.

"Young people have been demonised and ASBOthered by the Labour governments. I think it's time we gave them opportunities instead of lectures.

"I want young people to have the best start in life. Our teachers work hard. But they'd be even more effective if they had fewer children in each class. That's how we raise the standard in education, and aim for excellence.

"We want to offer sporting and cultural opportunities to all children too. Open up our schools to community groups. Let's twin our schools with local teams. Children get expert coaching and we build bridges so that sport doesn't stop when young people leave school. That's particularly important for young women. Far too many stop taking part in sport when they leave school.

"We need to give our young people a taste for active lifestyles. A culture of participation. I want young people to join in. Join a team, a group, a choir, an orchestra. Play together, strive together, succeed together. By combining individual talents, an orchestra produces a sound that none could produce alone. I want that participation - that taking part - to extend to politics too.

"Young people should be voting. Not because it's 'the right thing to do'. Not because it's their democratic duty. I want them voting, because they have so much to say. And the only way to ensure that the system listens, is to vote.

"I want to give 16 year olds a vote too. If you are old enough to pay taxes, then you're old enough to contribute to the formation of government too."

He will point out that there are ¼ of a million young people in Wales aged 18-25, enough to tip the balance in seats featuring big universities.

Mr German will also re-iterate critisms of the other parties for relying on gimmicks, rather than serious policy to attract voters.

He will say: "Now, the other parties think this election is about what you can give away for free. They don't understand that the age of big rises in public spending is over. Budgets will be tight. That 'free' this and 'free' that means that government can't do something else.

"Their energy is focused on freebies. Instead of unlocking the potential of the Assembly's new powers. We're not relying on gimmicks. We trust the people of Wales to vote for the best policies. Not the best "free gift" with every vote."

Notes:

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Spring Conference 2007 takes place at the Richard Ley Development Centre, Swansea. Full details at www.welshlibdems.org.uk

Mike German's address will take place at 11.20am on Saturday.