Scouts Speak Up

Guest editor James Ferguson attended a series of Scouts Speak Up events to find out more about Scouting’s relationship with politics.

During September and October, I had the opportunity to attend the Scouts Speak Up events at each of the three main political party conferences. These events provided a brilliant opportunity for young people and politicians alike to discuss the most pressing matters of today.

Each conference kicked off with round-table discussions. The laid-back and informal atmosphere allowed Scouts from across the country to get to know each other, as well as get to know their MP. The discussions were followed by a Q&A with a guest speaker.

Talking policy change

The first event was the Liberal Democrat Party Conference, in Birmingham, where the guest speaker was Duncan Hames, MP for Chippenham. Duncan and other MPs were quizzed on matters such as nuclear energy and climate change.

A week later, I attended the Labour Party Conference, in Liverpool, where Toby Perkins – Shadow Minister for Children and Families – was the keynote speaker. Toby was questioned on his thoughts on the Votes at 16 campaign and Labour’s new plan for tuition fees.

The final event was the Conservative Party Conference, in Manchester. This was by far the busiest event, with lots of Scouts and politicians eager to get involved. The discussions here centred on education and jobs.

The Scouts Speak Up events provide a brilliant platform for Scouts to meet the movers and shakers in British politics, and bring them back down to Earth on youth policy.

Scouts Speak Up are interactive events for Explorers, Young Leaders, Network members and their leaders to meet with MPs and councillors from across the UK, during the party conference season.

If you are interested in coming to the 2012 events or want more information, contact the Public Affairs team at citizen@scouts.org.uk