Foysol Choudhury MSP, Scottish Labour Spokesperson on Culture, Europe and International Development is congratulating the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) on its 25th anniversary and recognising its important work in representing young people’s views.
Last week Foysol Choudhury attended a parliamentary reception marking the 25th anniversary of the SYP, meeting with recently elected Edinburgh MSYPs and attended the Autumn Session of the SYP, hearing the issues most important to young people today.
The Scottish Youth Parliament was formed in 1999 following the United Kingdom’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which established the right for children to have their views heard and taken seriously.
Following the autumn sitting Mr Choudhury said: “It was inspiring and humbling attending the Autumn sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament. It was great to see the talent of our young people on show and their commitment to creating a more fair and equitable society.
“The Scottish Youth Parliament is one of our best organisations and does great work in making our young people’s voices heard through their campaigns and giving their views on the impacts of legislation on young people.
“The SYP is often ahead of politicians when it comes to their campaigns, whether that be universal music tuition in schools, banning single-use plastics or free bus travel.
“If Saturday’s sitting is anything to go by, the future of the country is in safe hands. I hope the next 25 years of the Scottish Youth Parliament are as successful and impactful as the first and they continue to push politicians to be better and represent our young people.”
Mr Choudhury wished all MSYPs well, and hopes to work with the Scottish Youth Parliament in the future on tackling racism.