Thousands of young people make their pitch to policymakers
Tens of thousands of young people have urged policymakers to listen to their views in the biggest manifesto consultation in the history of the Scottish Youth Parliament.
Tens of thousands of young people have urged policymakers to listen to their views in the biggest manifesto consultation in the history of the Scottish Youth Parliament.
The SYP launched its five-year manifesto, entitled Lead The Way, backed by 72,744 consultation responses at its national sitting in Galashiels this weekend.
Chair Jordan Linden MSYP said: "Since we were established in 1999, the Scottish Youth Parliament has been the voice of Scotland's young people, and the platform from which their views are heard.
"It's young people's right to have their opinions listened to on the issues that affect them, and no other piece of work our parliament undertakes more realises that right than the Lead The Way manifesto.
"This manifesto received a staggering 72,744 consultation responses, the most of any manifesto in our parliament's history.
"For a long time, we have been saying that the way to get young people involved in politics is to talk about the issues that are important in their lives.
"Young people have resoundingly told us what issues are important in their lives, and now it is time for these issues to be at the top of the agenda for decision makers.
"I am thankful to all the young people who took the time to contribute their views, and assure them that with the strength of their voices behind us, we will be taking this document to elected leaders and government officials, and actively campaigning on the issues important to them.
"Together, we are truly leading the way.''