On the 30th October 2009 Members of the UK Youth Parliament from across the country meet in the House of Commons, this was the first time the Commons has ever opened its doors to an outside organisation. I was one of the lucky ones who attended the debate however it was point out that Scotland may have got a raw deal.
Only 6 Scottish MYPs were selected to speak out of 109 other MYPs who spoke, other MYPs and the Speaker on some occasions was referring to Scotland as a region not a nation. This was pointed out by point of orders by Scottish MYPs saying that we should have had more of a say in the UK wide issues as the first 3 debates were only relevant to England & Wales.
I was lobbying for the votes at 16 to be voted as the campigan on the grounds that it was UK wide and Scotland would be able to take part. If it was an English & Welsh only issue I warned that Scotland will have to reconsider its involvement with UKYP if it continues to be dominated by English only issues.
Now that the UK Youth Parliament has chosen to work on a UK wide issue this is a huge break through for Scotland within UKYP and I would say a start of a new and fruitful relationship where Scotland can be involved heavily.
The Scottish Youth Parliament voted for votes at 16 in June, this is something that UKYP & SYP can work jointly on and I will be encouraging this.
If you have any questions for me please e-mail me at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP
