New Young People's Minister Appointed

Dawn Butler has been given the new government role of Minister for Young Citizens and Youth Engagement.

Appointed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Butler will be based in the cabinet office and will work with departments such as the Department for Children Schools and Families and the Ministry of Justice.

She will look into increasing young people's participation in politics and communities, and will also lead the government's response to the Youth Citizenship Commission. This is to be published before the end of the year and will develop action arising from the commission's earlier report.

Butler will continue her duties as an assistant whip. She is also honorary president of the British Youth Council and on the Labour Party's vice-chair for youth.

This is good news for myplace and young people in general as someone is now responsible for ensuring that young people get their say and are not forgotten amidst other government plans and actions.