Policy & Practice: Soapbox - Racist politicians must not exploitWelsh young people

In Wales, we should be grateful for this coverage, and the reminders it brings of the election of racist councillors in other parts of the UK and the strategies they use in their campaigns. Young people, many alienated from society, too often become easy prey to simple political rhetoric and pressure, which leads them to believe that their negative circumstances are the result of immigration.

Wales has yet to elect a politician who has overtly fought an election on the belief that all social and economic problems derive from immigration. One of the ways to make sure it does not do so in the future is by ensuring that young people are encouraged to become active democrats. Those of us who work with young people through organisations such as the youth service need to contribute to a process that ensures they are prepared to do so. This preparation is, from a youth service perspective, fundamentally about making sure young people are able to react to a wide range of political options based on a personal code of ethics and values that recognises it is possible to be different but equal.