Opinion: Hot Issues - Would a citizenship day engage young people?

YES - TONY BRESLIN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, CITIZENSHIP FOUNDATION

Yes, but the focus should be on what it means to be an effective citizen. A Citizens' Day, such as the model we piloted in 2005, focusing on celebrating local achievements and breaking down barriers, would open up the local democratic process to young people. They have the ideas and enthusiasm to engage with their local community once they are empowered to do so. We will be publishing a Citizens' Day toolkit, in partnership with the Communities and Local Government department, later this summer. YES - RACHAEL DUMIGAN, 21, TOOTING, SOUTH LONDON

It would engage young people as it would help remind them about Britain's vast culture and history and would help to build on citizenship lessons. Information packs would be beneficial in getting the message to young people and it would be useful to have a tool that would help them implement the day. I also think that it should incorporate information about St George's Day, as this day is often unmarked.