SYP Launch Manifesto 'Change The Picture'

The Scottish Youth Parliament launched it's manifesto 'Change The Picture' at the Parliament's sitting this weekend which was hosted by Inverclyde Council.

I support most of the 49 Manifesto points that were passed by MSYPs then a massive consultation with 42,804 young people. Well ahead our target of 15,000 young people.

Here I will list the top 10 manifesto points that received the support of over 50% of MSYPs and young people consulted. I will mark in percentage the support the commitments I list received from the 42,804 young people we consulted.

These are in order of priority:

1. 'A referendum should be held on Scotland's constitutional future, with the options of no change, more powers for the Scottish Parliament or full independence.

For: 66%
Against: 14%
Not Sure: 20%

2. 'The Trident nuclear missile system should not be replaced, and no part of the existing or new systems should be located in Scotland or in Scottish waters.'

For: 61%
Against: 18%
Not Sure: 21%

3. 'Tuition should remain free in further and higher education. Top-up fees are not an option for a society which puts ability to learn above ability to pay.'

For: 85%
Against: 6%
Not Sure: 9%

4. 'The success of Scotland's students must not be compromised by financial worries. Immediate action needs to be taken to ensure students don't face poverty and hardship in pursuit of their education.'

For: 84%
Against: 6%
Not Sure: 10%

5. 'Government has a responsibility to encourage more people to actively participate in politics. It is particularly important that constituency candidates reflect the people they represent, including women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds. Political parties should be encouraged to stand candidates aged 25 and under in winnable seats.'

For: 70%
Against: 12%
Not Sure: 18%

6. 'The minimum age for voting in all elections and referendums should be lowered to 16.'

For: 65%
Against: 25%
Not Sure: 10%

7. 'Scotland's local tax system should be changed so that it is based on household income rather than the value of your home or the area you live in.'

For: 76%
Against: 11%
Not Sure: 13%

8. Corner's inquests, that would allow investigations into death of Scots overseas, should be introduced in Scotland.'

For: 83%
Against: 6%
Not Sure: 11%

9. 'Young carers in Scotland should be shown that they are appreciated members of society and should be offered more support inside and outside of education. The Scottish Government should produce a Young Carers strategy to help improve the lives of young people who are young carers for the benefit of every single young person who cares in Scotland.'

For: 88%
Against: 6%
Not Sure: 6%

10. 'The solutions to solving knife crime lie in working with young people to tackle the root causes, not by imposing mandatory sentences on those caught carrying a knife.'

For: 57%
Against: 28%
Not Sure: 15%

Well, these are the top 10 that I personally like. The full 49 Manifesto statements can be found here: www.syp.org.uk



Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP.