Toby Perkins MP spent some time this weekend meeting with Scouts from across the UK at their annual Scouts Speak Up! event at the Labour party conference in Liverpool.
The annual ‘Scouts Speak Up!’ events have been created for Scouts from across the UK to be able to attend the party conferences and have an opportunity to tell decision makers about the issues that concern young people locally and nationally.
In Liverpool, Toby discussed many different issues with the Scouts. Many talked about their concerns for the future, how the skills they had learned in Scouting might help them in future life and how they thought politicians could help them to fulfil their potential. He addressed the Scouts, giving them his views on the future for young people and took questions from the audience, including questions on his views on votes at 16, youth unemployment and the state of the economy.
Kelsey Kerr, an Explorer Scout from Merseyside said: “I really enjoyed today’s event. It was a bit different to what we normally do in Scouting but having the opportunity to hear what MPs and councillors really think about issues that affect me was really good. Politics often feels like it’s something that young people can’t get involved in but today’s event let me put my point across.”
Chief Scout Bear Grylls said, “I want members to feel empowered to fulfil their ambitions, valued for their contribution they make and to feel proud of everything they do.” He added, “For all those campaigning for a fairer deal for young people and Scouting I say well done, keep at it and don’t give up. Together, we’re stronger.”
Toby said, “Yesterday’s event was brilliant and is a great example of young people holding politicians to account. The young people who attended asked a number of challenging questions and it was great to see so many Scouts that are so passionate about their communities and who want to tackle such a broad range of issues. Hopefully events like today will be part of an ongoing dialogue between young people and their MPs.”
