The UK decided to leave the UK on the 23rd of June, however, the vote was close with 52% voting to leave and 48% to remain.
Majority of 18- to 24-year-olds, 75%, voted to remain and many 16 and 17 years were upset they were not allowed the opportunity to vote for a change in an economic and political system. This disproves the belief that young people are dismissive about politics and many continue to either feel jubilation or displeased with the results. Young people do participate in democracy and continue to express their opinions on social media.
This decision changes the political and economic climate in the UK in many ways. The education sector receives funding from EU institutions and allows the free movement of people allowing people to work and live elsewhere in the EU. However, the leave campaign believes that many of the advantages provided by the EU will be maintained in the new trade deal that will be drafted.
The country is bitterly divided, with each side stating that the other does not understand the situation remaining or leaving would create. The decision has been made by the majority and should be respected. However, the government should protect the opportunities of young people along with implementing other policies desired by the Leave Campaign.
Young people will face this new uncertain future and the government leading negotiations must ensure the views of the younger generation are represented, as they will be the ones working in the new economic climate. The stock market is shocked and the value of the pound fell to its lowest level for 31 years, after the announcement of the UK leaving the EU. The value of stocks in Europe, Asia and the US also fell dramatically. The Leave Campaign continues to insist that this shock will be short term and the markets will stabilize.
The government also needs to negotiate a prosperous trade agreement, or else investments will suffer and lead to lack of employment, the UK government must do whatever possible to encourage investments and jobs for the future generation.
This decision is arguably the most important of the younger generation as they will be the first to be employed without being a member of the EU. This will have ramifications for the young people for both those that are in employment and those that will join the workforce in the future.
Hopefully this agreement will ensure that future generations continue to have opportunity of past generations with benefits the Leave Campaign should achieve. The market remains nervous about the UK decisions, but people could continue to pursue their ambitions and the government should protect the prospects of young people.
