The Deputy UK Permanent Representative, Andy Lebrecht, will attend the Youth Council on 22 May. There is only one agenda item.

Ministers will be asked to adopt a resolution on participation by young people with fewer opportunities. This calls for increased efforts to ensure that young people from less advantaged backgrounds are able to participate in employment, education and training and avoid social exclusion. It suggests a number of measures which help improve outcomes, including early intervention and a cross-sectoral approach. The UK is content with this approach to youth policy.

There will be a related exchange of views on how member states’ policies help to ensure participation by young people with fewer opportunities and how they intend to improve their practice in future. The UK has a good story to tell and will concentrate on the Every Child Matters agenda, 14-19 reform and the positive activities being promoted through Aiming High in England and equivalent programmes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Belgium has asked for an Any Other Business item on the use of the mosquito alarm for dispersing groups of young people.