Reactions to HeadsUp
The HeadsUp team thought it was about time that we collated all the excellent feedback from a range of people who have used the site - mainly young people, parliamentarians and teachers.
You can read all the nice comments below...
Please note - If you have any comments to send us about HeadsUp please email us at citizenship@hansardsociety.org.uk
"I think that it’s great that on HeadsUp it is possible for decision makers to read about our views and our opinions. I think that this is especially good because as young people we don’t really get a say in how the country is run but on HeadsUp, when a politician replies to your post, you know that someone in the Houses of Parliament knows how you feel about a certain issue." HeadsUp participant
“I’ve wanted to talk about some issues that are very important to me for quite a long time but I’ve had no one but my parents to talk to about it. This site has given me a chance to talk to others. When I am older I have carefully considered having my own political party, so you never know! You might see me in Parliament some day!!!” HeadsUp participant
“The importance and effects of interaction with MPs are vividly demonstrated by the society’s highly successful series of HeadsUp debates involving young people…” Sunday Times, Sept 2005
“I think that HeadsUp is a unique opportunity for teenagers at the moment. There is very little debating or work on current affairs in schools…Many less confident teenagers can take part, whereas they may be afraid to participate in a real-life debate. It’s also the first time most people will have a chance to talk with politicians, and their presence on the forums is quite exciting.” HeadsUp participant
“Thank you for your excellent website.” Teacher who participated in HeadsUp
“I’d like to congratulate and thank all those who took part for contributing to a reasoned discussion of a very important topic. I would also like to thank the HeadsUp team for giving both students and politicians the opportunity to contribute to this forum.” Stephen Williams MP (participated in the job prospects debate)
“HeadsUp has been great in arranging this valuable exchange of views. It has certainly brought to my attention some issues that I now see demand more action by politicians” David Kidney MP (participated in the public transport debate)
“I found the HeadsUp Forum to be an extremely useful tool for discussing and debating European politics with my young constituents. This forum provided an easy and fun way for students and young people to tackle a whole range of European issues with their elected representatives that otherwise would not have occurred.” Robert Evans MEP (participated in the EU debate)
“The HeadsUp forum provided a very useful platform that allowed me to consult with young people from a range of backgrounds throughout the UK. For them, it was a chance not only to build an awareness of the issue but to have a direct influence on the decision-making process.” Hilton Dawson (participated in the Children's Commissioner forum, now former MP)
“HeadsUp is a very worthwhile project, and I wish it all the best in the future.” Andrew Mitchell MP (participated in the G8 forum)
“I know that the HeadsUp Forums are popular and are a good way for young people to have a say on issues they are interested in and affect them” Maria Eagle MP (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families)