<br>London Mayor Hopefuls Face Young People In Islington<br><br>WHAT: Young people quiz Mayoral candidates on youth crime<br>WHEN: 7pm, Monday 11 February<br>WHERE: St Mary's Church, Upper Street, Islington; nearest tube High Street Islington<br>NB: Please could media planning to attend contact Chris Roe, Islington Council Media Officer, on 020 7527 8751<br><br>YOUNG people in Islington have a rare chance to ask tough questions on youth crime of top politicians Brian Paddick, Boris Johnson, Sian Berry and Len Duvall.<br><br>The Liberal Democrat, Conservative and Green Party candidates for mayor have agreed to come to a special meeting of Islington Council's Commission on Young People and Safety in Islington.<br><br>London Mayor Ken Livingstone unfortunately has an earlier commitment, but Mr Duvall – Labour group leader on the London Assembly – is taking his place.<br><br>All four politicians will speak for several minutes about what they plan to do about youth crime.<br><br>Young people in the audience will then be invited to ask them youth-related questions.<br><br>Cllr Greg Foxsmith, Chairman of the Commission, said: "Following the spate of young people killed last year in London, crime prevention has rightly become a big issue in the Mayoral campaign. <br><br>"Here in Islington, we have two candidates with particular experience of our borough - Brian as a former policeman, and Boris as a resident. <br><br>"This is a chance for them, and other candidates, to be held to account.<br><br>"Young people often complain that politicians don't listen to them – this is their chance to make sure they do. In Islington we are serious about them having a voice and helping to change things.<br><br>"I am very pleased that the four politicians have agreed to come along and face young voters, and voters of the future."<br><br>The meeting will start at 7pm – half an hour earlier than usual – on Monday 11 February, and has moved venue to St Mary's Church in Upper Street.<br><br>After the special session, the Commission's regular meeting will start, hearing evidence from young people about what can be done to stop teenagers from drifting into crime and gang culture.<br><br>The meeting is open to the public on a first-come, first-seated basis, and young people who want to ask a question are especially welcome.<br><br>Islington Council set up the independent Commission after the tragic death of teenager Martin Dinnegan, who was stabbed in June last year.<br><br>It aims to come up with ways of preventing gang culture and youth crime, and has heard evidence from people from all walks of life, including teachers, youth workers and the mother of a teenager who became involved in crime before mending his ways.<br><br>February's meeting is the last to hear evidence, before the Commission reports its final recommendations on 10 March. <br><br>Anyone who wants to submit evidence, or ideas, to the Commission can do so by writing to Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD, or emailing democracy@islington.gov.uk. The deadline for submissions is 15 February.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009