Brexit: Young people should make the most of the post-EU referendum result, 4 ways how

According to new YouthSight analysis, for every one student who voted Leave, six chose Remain

(Reuters)

Young people are being urged to stand up to racism, help fix their broken communities, and make up with friends who voted the other way a month on from the EU referendum.

With the shock Brexit result leaving many not knowing what to do now, music magazine NME has published a list of wise words, sensible advice, and wild inspiration to help young people deal with the fallout and carve out their futures, with the likes of Scottish politician Mhairi Black, Money Saving Expert’s Martin Lewis, Guardian columnist Owen Jones, and punk duo Slaves all sharing their best advice to help young Brits.

The tips have come after the magazine hit the streets of the capital to find out what students thought about the referendum campaigns, and how they would be voting. The results revealed both Remain and Leave campaigns failed to speak to young people, with over half of respondents saying they did not feel as though the campaigns had been made relevant to them.

Mike Williams, NME editor-in-chief said: “To make some sense of the madness that’s engulfed the UK over the past few weeks, we’ve gathered together some of the most switched-on and smart thinkers in the country to digest it all and pass on their sage advice.

“What unifies their thoughts is the need to be positive, the need to take back control of your own destiny, and the need to be as collaborative as possible whilst doing it all. I agree with everything they all say - not least Slaves calling for their fellow bands to be brave enough to put their heads above the parapet and soundtrack this era of discontent with a new wave of protest songs.”

1) Contact your MP

Rising Scottish politician, Mhairi Black, described how the best part of her job is speaking with her constituents of all ages, but said she would enjoy her role more if more of them got in touch with her. She advised: “It’s crucial people contact their MPs. I know whenever I go to a vote, I always consider the messages I receive from constituents and they play the largest part in my decision. I’m sure their own MP will feel the same.”

2) Be money-savvy

Consumer champion Martin Lewis has urged young people to make sure they have plenty of money in savings, ideally around six months’ worth to cover bill costs, further advising Brits to not stop spending. He added: “The best way to stave off a recession is by not getting into a recession mentality because, if we do and we stop doing the things we would otherwise have done, that will be a self-fulfilling prophecy and cause a recession.”

3) Organise

The Guardian’s Owen Jones has said that, since young people were the most opposed to leaving, they should use the Brexit result as a wake-up call to make change. He explained: “I spend a lot of time going to inner-city schools and sixth forms and they’re not apathetic - they really care. During the student protest in 2010, some of the most determined weren’t the students, but the young people at schools and sixth forms who were going to have their education maintenance allowance cut. They just think politics is divorced from them. This has to change.”

4) Channel your emotions into art

One half of the duo, Isaac, highlighted how no other musicians have challenged the Brexit result, and said: “If you’ve got a platform, you should use it. Why wouldn’t you? But, somehow, politics is a dirty subject. I hope our music inspires people to go out there and do what they want to do. I want it to have a positive impact, rather than slagging everyone off all the time.”

Visit NME to see the complete list of helpful advice