Forum: Labour group leader Paul Dimoldenberg: "Let’s sing praises of young people"

Published: 20 May 2010

THE problem with politics is that, if you’re not careful, it can take over your life.

Thankfully, with two teenage daughters, real life is never far away.

And there was no better example of that on Monday night when our family went to the Royal Albert Hall to see the performance of The World in our City by Westminster schools. 

Our youngest daughter was on one of the most famous stages in the world playing clarinet in the Westminster Youth Orchestra, along with 1,400 other young people from Westminster schools who were singing, dancing and playing in the orchestra.

For three years young people in more than 30 Westminster schools participated in a huge musical undertaking, helping to write the words and music. 

Guided by professionals from the BBC and their own music teachers, they gave us a performance  to remember.

What a night it was, too, with our young people from Pimlico to Queen’s Park performing the cantata they helped to write with composer Bill Connor, the BBC Singers and the Royal College of Music Orchestra. 

Reflecting our  diverse, multi-cultural community, there were young people there from every corner of the globe, every religion and every colour, singing and playing in harmony.

The Royal Albert Hall was full to the rafters with proud parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, who could only marvel at the scale of the undertaking, the sheer professionalism of the performance and the joy of being there. 

No wonder the   cheers rang out, and the standing ovation was richly deserved.

As we left the Royal Albert Hall, passing   the throng of parents waiting to take their children back home, I couldn’t help having a political thought.

When people ask what Labour has achieved over the past 13 years, the cynics like to paint a story of doom and gloom. 

The Conservatives tell us that our schools are so bad that parents want to start their own schools. But the reality is so very different.

As Monday night’s performance aptly demonstrates, schools  in Westminster have improved beyond recognition. 

The millions of pounds spent on more teachers, better facilities, and rebuilding outworn buildings has paid off. Our young people can now express their talents on the world stage. 

Money spent on music and arts education, as well as on English, mathematics and science, has given Westminster’s young people more confidence and belief in themselves.

I wish the new government well in its efforts. But there is nothing “broken” about the society we live in. 

And nothing will be gained if our new Conservative and Liberal Democrat masters belittle the huge steps forward the country – and Westminster – has   made with Labour.

•Paul Dimoldenberg is leader of the Labour group on Westminster City Council