Royal Watch News

Prince Charles hosting youth unemployment conference

Feb 6, 2012, 0:04 GMT

Prince Charles

Britain's Prince Charles is holding a conference to tackle youth unemployment and the causes of violence.
The prince has invited politicians to Clarence House today (01.02.12) after speaking to teenagers at a charity set up by the parents of Jimmy Mitzen, a 16-year-old schoolboy who was killed in an unprovoked attack in London in 2008.
Jimmy's father Barry is hopeful Charles' involvement can inspire a 'community fightback' that targeted teenagers who are at risk of resorting to violence.
He told the Evening Standard newspaper: 'He cares about young people and their life chances. So many people say there is nothing for young kids to do. Actually there is. Threatening to lock them up for a year and a day is not solving these issues. We have got this idea that ever-harsher punishments will solve the problem of youth crime.
'Of course, ministers get driven to talk tough by the media, but we need a grown-up debate.'
Among those expected at Charles' conference are Communities Secretary Eric Pickles, former Labour home secretary David Blunkett, the minister for civil society Nick Hurd, Lib-Dem MP Jo Swinson and former House of Lords leader Baroness Royall.
A Clarence House spokesperson revealed the conference was set up following discussions with Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Milliband.
The spokesperson said: 'The Prince thought it would be a good idea to convene a meeting to find ways to support young people in light of the current high rate of youth unemployment and in the wake of last summer's riots in London and elsewhere.
'After discussions with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition it was agreed that His Royal Highness should convene a meeting of representatives from the three political parties, youth groups and representatives from civil society to explore ways to further support the work being done to help young people build confidence, develop skills and find employment.'