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.
NO - DAMIAN GREEN, SHADOW MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION
This idea is another gimmick designed to avoid difficult questions about how to promote national identity. It would become just another bank holiday - does anyone think the May bank holiday has anything to do with the celebration of workers' rights? In England we don't even celebrate St George's Day, so an artificial new day would have no impact at all.
YES - NATALIE NORTH, 16, MEMBER OF YOUTH PARLIAMENT, KIRKLEES
A citizenship day is a good idea for young people. From the ones I have been involved in, they are highlyregarded by pupils. Just one day would engage young people into wanting to learn, and new opportunities give them the chance to express their views. The citizenship information packs are also a good idea. My only concern with these is the diversity in different areas. I think there should at least be an information leaflet within these packs on citizenship opportunities within the local area.
