Students reflect on the reasons as to why they wanted to get involved in the upcoming recording of the iconic Radio 4 show called Any Questions?
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This show will be recorded at one Sixth Form College on the evening of Friday 29 September 2023.
Amber Gowers, 16, from Bucklesham
studying A levels at One Sixth Form College.
Why get involved?
“I’m interested in going into politics and I want to know how the world works. Ever since I was small I have had an interest in how the country is run and why the power is given to the people it’s given to - and I’d like to go into international relations in the future.”
What question will you ask if given the opportunity?
“I want to know what they are going to do to tackle the escalating mental health crisis. I believe if we learn about mental health in school then we are in a better place to see it happening in others and support them when we do.”
What would be the first thing you would do if you were Prime Minister?
“If I was Prime Minister I would do something about the mental health crisis and put more funding into education.”
Sophie Cavanagh, 17
Ipswich - studying A levels and a diploma in music
Why get involved?
“I think it’s essential that issues that are facing people are addressed and I got involved to make issues more known.”
What question will you ask?
“I want to ask a question about a lack of funding in the NHS and the long wait times. My mum died of cancer – it’s something that everyone will be affected by in the future (cancer) and it’s something everyone should have empathy for.”
Is your generation politically engaged?
“I think our generation is interested in single issue politics like the environment. It’s less about parties and more about making direct change with specific issues.”
What do you think of the current political landscape?
“I think the political landscape is uncertain and it will be interesting to see what direction it goes in.”
If you were Prime Minster, what would be the first thing you did?
“I’d put more funding into the NHS and education.”
Anna Cook, 17
from Swilland is studying A levels
Why get involved?
“I’m quite a political person and I think it’s important our age group is represented at these types of events. I also think it will be interesting seeing the people who have a say in making the decisions and listen to them navigate the questions they are asked.”
What question will you ask if given the chance?
“My question will be about the environment – I want to know why you are slowing down on climate change and making it less of a priority.”
Is you generation politically engaged?
“I think our generation is more engaged and politicised than people think.”
If you were Prime Minister – what would you do on your first day?
“If I was Prime Minister – ideally I would put in provisions to help the environment and public sectors.”
Oliver Hard, 17
Felixstowe - is studying A levels.
Why get involved?
“In terms of democracy there is not a lot of representation of people in our age group so the more we are involved in politics the more improvement it will have on democracy itself.”
What do you hope to get out of the event?
“I want to get an understanding of policy as it will influence my vote at the next general election.”
What question will you ask?
“My question will be if Labour wins the next election what will there policy be towards veterans – it speaks to my family and myself as I intend to go into the military.”
If you were Prime Minister – what would you do on day one?
“If I was Prime Minister I would appoint a cabinet that had experience of their role – where the health minister had an understanding of the health sector, the defence minister had a military background - and so on.”
Izzi Creamer, 17
Ipswich - A levels
Why get involved?
“I’ve not done something like this before. I’ve always found politics quite interesting and it’s a unique experience and it’s cool it (Any Questions?) is coming to college.
What do you hope to get out of it?
“It will be interesting hearing what people have to say.”
What question will you ask?
“My question will be about the lack of provision that is in place in terms of bereavement services.”
Is your generation politically engaged?
“I think our generation is 50/50 in terms of political engagement. For many people it’s a case of what is the point in bothering because nothing ever gets done. I think the days of voting for one party for the rest of your life are over with our generation. People are more interested in issues not political parties.”
If you were Prime Minister what is the first thing you would do?
“I would get rid of tuition fees and invest more in public transport to support the environment.”
