Editorial: Green paper must see the light of day soon

But necessity dictates that we once again ponder what this key document will contain and when it might be released.

Last weekend, the Independent on Sunday said the youth green paper is being "radically reworded" to reflect the Government's "tough stance on yob-related behaviour" and the need for "respect" among young people.

Well, up to a point, Lord Copper. I understand the latest version of the green paper does indeed contain material that reflects the current "yob" and "respect" agenda. But to say it has been "radically reworded" is overstating the case.

In fact, the feeling is that the green paper is now tighter, clearer and more sector-friendly than before. The new ministerial team is having its input, but isn't ripping it up and starting again. As Jane Haywood, head of the children and youth division at the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), says, ministers are involved in almost daily meetings about the document (see p4). The intention is for the green paper to be released in early July, before the school summer holidays kick in (an interesting reference point in itself, given that the document is supposed to be about youth work, rather than formal education).