Envision Grad makes his TV debut on BBC Newsnight

This week Envision Grad James Mummery took part in a live TV debate on BBC Newsnight to discuss the question of whether the idea of retirement as we know it is dead and what this will mean to a generation of young people who are only just starting out.

Describing his experience James said, “I was extremely excited to appear on Newsnight and a touch nervous too. I have been lucky enough to represent Envision in the media on a few previous occasions.  However this was the first time on mainstream TV and with the added pressure of broadcasting live”.

If you missed the debate you can watch it on BBC iPlayer here.

So what does the idea of retirement mean to you? Have you thought about how pensions work?  A recent poll carried out by BBC Newsnight revealed that 77% thought younger people would get a worse deal in terms of pension provision and than 54% thought it was unfair that younger generations would be worse off than those currently approaching retirement age.

Of course, to most people just leaving college or university retirement rightly seems a long way off.  Priorities are to find a find a job or pay off student debts. But decisions being made now about pension provision and age of retirement will have the biggest affect on people aged 18-24.

James said, “It is essential that young people are a visible and audible force in debates like this. Pensions and retirement is a topic which by its nature focuses on the joint responsibilities of the younger and older generations to tackle a large and serious issue”.

As well as getting the chance to appear on live TV, James also had the opportunity to meet an impressive bunch on the panel such as former Apprentice winner Tim Campbell, Minister for Pensions Steve Webb, former Tory MP Anne Widdecombe, and of course the host Jeremy Paxman.

If you're an Envision Grad interested in similar opportunities or simply want more say about what goes on in the world around you, e-mail Grad Programme Coordinator Anneka at anneka@envision.org.uk.  And make sure you keep an eye out for the Grads Newsletter to stay in the know about more exciting opportunities coming your way!