Should our forces still be in Iraq?

Should our forces still be in Iraq?

Young people debate defence issues with legislators

Follow the online debate at www.headsup.org.uk

Under-18s are tackling a variety of defence issues in a secure and structured online debate, organised by the Hansard Society. Defence d-day...Should our forces be in Iraq? will run from February 25 to March 14, 2008 at www.headsup.org.uk

As well as giving their views on Iraq, the young people taking part in the debate will consider other key questions:  

• Should we intervene in overseas conflicts and what are the implications of these decisions?
• What is the impact on the families of those serving in the armed forces? Have you (or your friends) got any relatives serving in the armed forces? Do your grandparents remember WW2?
• Do we stop and think about life in post-war zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan or the Balkans? Was it worthwhile?
• Has violent or non-violent conflict resolution been more successful when looking at recent conflicts?

Legislators and experts involved in this forum include:

• Bob Ainsworth MP - Minister of State for the Armed Forces
  
• Gerald Howarth MP - Shadow Defence Minister
• Linda Gilroy MP - Member of the Defence Select Committee
• Willie Rennie MP -  Shadow Minister for Defence
• Nick Harvey MP - Shadow Defence Minister
  

Barry Griffiths, HeadsUp Manager, commented: "Although Iraq and Afghanistan attract most headlines, we want the young people taking part in this debate to consider wider aspects of war and consider the effect of conflict on civilians as well as the armed forces and their families."

HeadsUp is a vital resource for teaching the political literacy element of the Citizenship Curriculum and ensuring young people's voices are heard by decision-makers. In addition to the forum where school students explore and debate the political issues and ideas that matter to them, there are teachers' notes, ideas for classroom activities and background information for young people all available on the HeadsUp website.

Editors' Notes

• HeadsUp (http://www.headsup.org.uk/) is an innovative website where under-18s debate political issues and processes. The site is a non-partisan, cross-party educational resource that provides a secure, structured and student-centred discussion platform.

• Two ways to register to participate in HeadsUp:

        1. Young People - If you are under 18 and want to get in on the action you need to complete the Student Sign Up Form.

        2. Teachers/youth workers/youth group - can register a whole class/school year/group by completing our Teachers Registration Form.

• All HeadsUp forums are open to view and follow the debate. Participants will still need to register or login to post comments.
• The project is jointly funded by the Ministry of Justice (former DCA) and the House of Commons.
• Young people taking part in this HeadsUp Forum are available for interview. However, this may take some time to arrange due to the busy academic calendar]. For more information contact Virginia Gibbons, Communications Manager at the Hansard Society on 0207 438 1225 or 07812 765 552.
• At the end of the debate, a summary report detailing young people's contributions will be distributed to relevant government ministers, MPs, AMs, MEPS, MSPs and selected all-party groups in Parliament.
• 4000 individuals are currently registered with HeadsUp.