The annual ‘Scout Speak Up!’ events have been created for Scouts to attend the conferences and are unique in the conference calendar. They are entirely youth led, giving young people the opportunity to debate with politicians the issues that really matter to young people today.
Ciara Billings, an Explorer Scout, said: “It’s great that young people have the opportunity to tell politicians what we think, and for them to listen. It is important that young people have a say, and events like today’s is a great step forward. As a Scout it is important for me to get involved and help inspire others to do so too.”
Issues discussed included raising the age at which young people can vote, tuition fees and how young people can ensure that their voices are heard by decision makers. Graham was also told by the young people he spoke to how Scouting enriches their lives and their local communities. Many talked about how the skills they’ve learned in Scouting have helped them to find employment and supported their applications to university and college.
Graham said: “I really enjoyed the Scouts Speak Up! event during the conference in Birmingham. It was great to hear what young people had to say and to discuss the issues of the day with them.”
