Opinion Former interviews

The recession and Britain's youth: Emily Beardsmore, British Youth Council Latest figures show 835,000 not in employment, education or training. Emily Beardsmore - chair of the British Youth Council (BYC) - explains her organisation's strategy for helping young people in a difficult climate.
The future of the third sector: Matt Townsend, Disabilities Trust The Disabilities Trust's Matt Townsend warns that third sector provision of public services should not be seen as a way to cut costs.
Representing Britain: Sir Roger Bone Sir Roger Bone explains the similarities between his line of work as a diplomat and his current job as president of Boeing UK.
Staying over: Boarding schools in the 20th century Hilary Moriarty, national director of the Boarding Schools' Association tells politics.co.uk of the challenges facing her industry.
Moscow street packs and London's trophy dogs Caroline Yates, chief executive of the Mayhew Animal Home, tells politics.co.uk how she went from the city to an animal sanctuary.
Pulling policy levers (not pints) After years of pressing the government on its issues, Alcohol Concern is making real progress.
Monkey business Jan Creamer remembers all too well the reason for her decision to dedicate her life to animal rights: smoking beagles.
Which animal was your washing-up liquid tested on? Most people don't know household goods can still be tested on animals, along with more well-publicised medical and science experiments. It's Michelle Thew's job to make sure you find out. She's the chief executive of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV).
The hardest reform of all Ken Ritchie has always been in politics, but it's quite clear he was never meant to be a politician. Clues to the (ERS) chief executive's true calling are clear as he recounts his early experiences as a prospective parliamentary candidate in seats where he "didn't have the foggiest chance" of winning.
Mixed blessings and secular funerals The primary aim of pressure groups is to cease to exist. It's one of those odd little truths in politics. Be it the Countryside Alliance or Amnesty International, charities, pressure groups and associations all look forward to the day when they will no longer be necessary.
Good-cop, good-cop Ian Johnston is not your average copper. Courteous, softly spoken and open to other people's point of view, it's hard to imagine him sternly interrogating a suspect.

Election Video Manifestos

politics.co.uk's Opinion Formers set out to present their manifesto "wish lists" to the next generation of MPs and ministers ahead of the General Election in 2010.

National Union of Teachers Election Manifesto Video

Click on the video below to begin playing, or view the full size video here.

Check out more Opinion Former election video manifestos here

Opinion Former Press Releases

BASC: Snare training begins in Scotland

This week more than 40 gamekeepers and employers have completed the new Scottish snaring accreditation.