How to take action

Arts and music

You can raise awareness through art and craft, using visual creations to promote a political or social cause. Social injustices and political causes can be highlighted through musical performance and lyrics.

Broadcasting

Making your own videos and broadcasting them on websites like YouTube is an accessible alternative to traditional broadcasting.

Economic activism

You can utilise your economic power to make change by boycotting companies and organisations to pressure them to change their behaviour, or rewarding companies and organisations through patronage and positive social media.

Peaceful protest

Peaceful demonstrations are legal under UK law and you can attempt to achieve change through non-violent and legal demonstrations.

Write and publish

Use blogging, books, journalism, poetry, reports, or writing on social channels to reach a broader audience.

Create a petition

If you feel strongly about an issue you may want to start or sign a petition. If your petition achieves 10,000 signatures you get a response from the Government. If your petition achieves 100,000 signatures it will (almost always) be scheduled for a debate.

petition.parliament.uk    change.org

Political parties

Most political parties have youth sections which deal with issues most relevant to you.

Stand as an MP

Anyone over the age of 18 who is a citizen of Britain, Ireland or the Commonwealth, and resides in the UK, is entitled to stand as an MP.

Lobbying

Individuals, advocacy/special interest groups, and professional lobbyists can influence elected representatives through lobbying.

Register to vote

You can register to vote from age 16, which means you will be ready to participate in local and general elections.

gov.uk/register-to-vote

Contact elected representatives

Your member of parliament

If you feel strongly about an issue you may want to start or sign a petition. If your petition achieves 10,000 signatures you get a response from the Government. If your petition achieves 100,000 signatures it will (almost always) be scheduled for a debate.

members.parliament.uk/members/commons

House of Lords

The House of Lords provides a second opinion to the House of Commons and the government. The main role of the House of Lords is making laws, checking and challenging the government and investigating public policy. Contact any member of the Lords and search for the areas they’re interested in.

members.parliament.uk/members/lords

Devolved governments

The United Kingdom is comprised of four countries, England, Scotland, Cymru/Wales and Northern Ireland, each with their own history and culture. If you’re based in Cymru/Wales, Northern Ireland, or Scotland, you can contact your devolved representatives.

Local councils

The issue you want to change may be best dealt with at a local level, through working with your local elected councillors. Councillors represent their local community, develop and review council policy, and scrutinise decisions.

All-Party groups

All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are informal, cross-party groups formed by MPs and members of the House of Lords who share a common interest.

parliament.uk/about/mps-and-lords/members/apg

Select committees

Select Committees inquire into issues affecting government and the public. They often use online surveys and requests for evidence.

committees.parliament.uk/inquiries