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Emerging Voices Awards

Recognising young talent in political opinion writing
April O’Neill and Ibraheem Mockbel win the 2025 Emerging Voices Awards
April O’Neill has been announced as the winner of the 19-25 age category. April’s winning piece focuses on the impact of false and harmful content online.

Ibraheem Mockbel from Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College has been announced as the winner of the 16-18 age category for his piece, which focuses on Europe’s youngest city, Birmingham, and the impact of cuts to youth services.

Congratulations to our runners-up: Samai Nyirenda, Harriet White and Grace Winchester.
Read April's piece
Read Ibraheem's piece
This award celebrates new voices and fresh perspectives in the UK which, now more than ever, is essential to the future of quality, independent journalism. The awards will open again in early 2026.

Previously called the Hugo Young Award, the competition offers a range of prizes, provides a platform for new voices in journalism and gives young people the opportunity to gain experience and networks.

We invite those aged 16-25 from a state school background to submit a short political opinion piece on a subject of their choice. We particularly encourage entries from those with a lower socio-economic background, Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and those with a disability.

Previous winners
emerging-voices-awards-rosie-2024.png

Higher education was easily accessible to disabled people during Covid. Why are we being shut out now?

Rosie Anfilogoff won our 19-25 age category in 2024 with her article that explores the accessibility of universities in the UK.

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I’m 17 and haven’t seen a dentist for four years. This is life in England’s NHS dental deserts

Beth Riding won our 16-18 age category in 2024 with her article that comments on dental care in England.

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My mum’s death was slow and painful – she deserved the choice to end her life

Ella Creamer won our older age category award in 2023 with her article which focuses on the realities of palliative care. Following her work experience gained as part of her award win, Ella was offered a position on the Guardian books desk.

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The truth about "regeneration" in London: I can’t afford to live where I grew up

Elsie McDowell won our younger age category with her article on gentrification. She went on to be commissioned for a further piece “What do young people want on coronation day? More teachers, climate action: start with that”.

More pieces

In memory of Hugo Young
This award was created in memory of Hugo Young, a political columnist at the Guardian for almost 20 years. The award celebrates Hugo’s legacy.

As owners of the Guardian News and Media Archive, we hold an extensive collection of Hugo Young’s papers relating to his career.
Find out more about Hugo Young

Guidance and support
The guidance on full terms and conditions for your category will be published closer to the time.
Writing tips
Check out our advice on feature and opinion writing.
Get writing tips
Get in touch
If you have questions about the competition, we are happy to help. Feel free to drop us an email.
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