Simplifying Democracy for Young People

Youth Guide to UK Politics

Politics can feel complicated, distant and, sometimes, like it has very little to do with ‘real’ life. But the decisions made by politicians and institutions shape the opportunities available to us, the communities we live in and the future we are building.

Youth Guide to UK Politics was created to make UK politics easier to understand and, more importantly, easier for YOU to get involved in.

This isn’t about telling you what to think. This blog’s sole aim is to help you understand what is happening, why it matters and what you can actually do about it.

What is UK politics?

UK politics is about how decisions are made in the United Kingdom, who gets to make them, and how those decisions affect our lives.

It includes the UK Parliament and Government, but also the Scottish Parliament, Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament) and Northern Ireland Assembly, as well as local councils and other public bodies. One important nuance: local councils are not devolved legislatures in the same sense as the Scottish Parliament, Senedd and Northern Ireland Assembly. They are another layer of government/local decision-making..

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FIND YOUR WHY.

What matters most to you in life? Has your education, finances or access to healthcare ever been affected by decisions beyond your control? What matters most to you? That’s your why.

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Be honest about what you don’t know. When do we vote? Why do we vote? What’s the difference between a General Election and a local council election? And how do you work out what different political parties actually stand for?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and challenge what you hear.

GET INVOLVED

Find opportunities to have your voice heard and make a difference. Across the UK, you could join a local Youth Council, get involved with the UK Youth Parliament, take part in consultations and campaigns or volunteer in your community.

You don’t have to be a politician to make a difference. Start where you are.

Meet Gabriella Blomberg McCormack

The 2026 UK Youth Delegate to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

Meet Gabriella Blomberg McCormack, a 24-year-old from Glasgow, Scotland, acting as the 2026 UK Youth Delegate to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. Yes, it’s a mouthful.

I’m not your typical political figure. Instead, I have a professional background in languages, education and teaching. My journey into youth representation has been shaped by both my personal experiences and a strong interest in the social issues affecting young people. Having faced my own share of adversity in life, I care deeply about ensuring that young people in the UK, particularly young people in Scotland, have their voices heard.

What is the Council of Europe’s Rejuvenating Politics Initiative?

The Rejuvenating Politics Initiative was launched in 2014 by the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. It aims to give young people a direct role in politics, rather than simply asking for their opinions.

In short, a Youth Delegate is a young person aged 18–30 from one of the Council of Europe’s 46 member states who has the opportunity to attend two Congress Sessions in Strasbourg, participate in discussions alongside elected politicians and develop a project in their own local community. The project can take many different forms, but its aim should be to encourage young people to get involved in democracy and civic life.

Youth Delegates can speak in debates, share young people’s perspectives, meet politicians and other youth representatives and bring what they learn back to their communities. They cannot vote on Congress decisions, but they can actively participate and contribute to the work of the Congress.

Hemicycle

The debating chamber where Congress members and Youth Delegates meet for sessions and discussions.


The Hemicycle, Palais de l’Europe, Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France

European Youth Centre

A Council of Europe facility dedicated to youth participation, training and democratic engagement.

European Youth Centre, Strasbourg, France

Palais de l’Europe

The main building of the Council of Europe, where the Congress holds its sessions.

Palais de l’Europe, Avenue de l’Europe, Strasbourg, France

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