Taunton Deane Young Labour Launched with Karin Smyth MP
Bristol South MP Karin Smyth joined local young people last Saturday to officially launch Taunton Deane Young Labour, a group for progressive young people in the area. The group meets twice monthly and is open to anyone 26 or under who supports Labour and is aiming to get young people more involved in politics. Keziah, a member, said of the group “It’s great, I’ve met so many like-minded people my age, who are actually willing to talk politics.”
Members discuss the issues they care about with speakers from groups such as Greenpeace and Make Votes Matter and help influence Labour policy. Taunton Deane Young Labour campaigns on issues important to young people in the area, running campaign days against the re-introduction of grammar schools and campaigning hard for Libby Lisgo, the experienced Lyngford Councillor standing for Taunton North, in the May County Council elections. Fred Jerrome, Bristol Youth Officer, who was at the launch, said “Young activists with so much potential. First step – win Somerset County seat for Libby Lisgo!”
Members have recently been involved in the campaign to Save 2BU. Fraser, who organises the group and co-ordinated the successful Save 2BU campaign, said “2BU is a fantastic example of how local young people working together can make a real difference, and that’s why we have started this Young Labour group, to get young people involved in politics and give them a voice”.
Kia, a student at Richard Huish college said “I didn’t know a group like this existed in Taunton until Fraser came to talk to us about it and I immediately wanted to join! It’s great for young progressives to be represented locally.” Members are hoping to reach out to other schools and colleges and are using social media to promote the group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1440366949308504/ For further information, contact Fraser Amos (Youth Officer) – frasa8@gmail.com 07479 641451, or Keziah Gill-Stevens (campaigns officer) – keziah.gs@btinternet.com
Bridgwater Young Labour launches Saturday 4th Feb
Bridgwater’s youngest councillor 26 year old Diogo Rodrigues has organised the launch meeting of the Bridgwater Labour Youth group with a visit from Bristol Labour MP Kerry McCarthy. The launch event will be at 1200 on Saturday 4th February at Unity House, Dampiet street Bridgwater. Diogo says “All party members are welcome to attend to support the event as Kerry will also be speaking about Brexit.”