MSYPs make waves at Westminster

In a historic first, and in a strong show of support for young people, the UK Parliament threw open the doors of the House of Commons to young people from across the UK. This is the first occasion the famous green benches of Westminster have been occupied by anyone other than MPs, let alone young people. A group of MSYPs joined UK Youth Parliament members to represent Scotland’s young people and take part in a day filled with dynamic debate.

Midlothian MSYP Danielle Rowley was part of the delegation and was our roving reporter at the event. You can read Danielle’s report below...

"20 MSYPs travelled to London to join the 300 members of the UK Youth Parliament who made history at the House of Commons. For the first time in 300 years the House of Commons welcomed non-elected members – making this a very historic event.

"MSYPs made a quick visit to the Scotland Office to learn more about its work and speak to officials about our campaign for ‘Votes at 16’. The MSYPs presented them with the views that MSYPs shared at our National Sitting in Peterhead about why 16 and 17 year olds should be given the basic right to vote. You can read more about our Votes at 16 campaign by clicking here.

"The young people were welcomed by Leader of the House, Harriet Harman and the debates where chaired by House of Commons Speaker, John Bercow. There where 5 debates on the day; the abolishment of university fees, free transport for young people, youth crime, capitalism and votes at 16. All topics prompted lively debate from the house, with many young people not even getting a chance to voice their opinions. There were some surprises, with an unexpected number of young people speaking against the abolishment of university fees and free public transport.

"Far from the norm for the Commons there were no heckles, no name calling, very little booing and applause after every speech. This was commended by the Speaker and national press. The MSYPs were all eager to get their voice heard and seven of them caught the Speaker’s eye and spoke with passion and conviction.

"Liam Beattie MSYP was lead in the transport debate, proposing the motion that young people should get free transport, as well as OAP’s. Following the debates the young people got a chance to vote on which topic should be the UKYP’s campaign for the year ahead. Votes at 16 was the runaway winner with 106 votes, and the UKYP will join the Scottish Youth Parliament in calling loudly for the voting age to be lowered to 16.

"A fair collection of MP’s attended parts of the debates and sat in viewing benches observing and showing support for the young people. The event was an overall success, gathering respect, a positive image and media coverage for not only the UKYP but young people all over Britain. Our MSYPs made a great impression and had a brilliant time at Westminster and fingers crossed we get invited back again!"

The event gained a huge amount of very positive media coverage, with MSYPs Liam Beattie and Rachael Cahill appearing on BBC Radio Scotland to talk about the event. You can download an audio clip of the interview from the bottom of the page.

We’ve also picked out a selection of the many articles and reports from press, radio and TV – click on the links to find out more!

[Please note that the following links are all to external websites over which the SYP has no control]

“Teenagers show they have Commons touch” – The Scotsman

"UK Youth Parliament to meet in House of Commons” – STV News

"Teenagers take over Parliament” – BBC Newsround

"Teen MPs put grown-ups to shame” - BBC News

"Colourful, clever and keen…if only the Commons could be like this every day” - The Herald

"Teenagers invade parliament for first debate by non-MPs” - The Guardian

"The kids are all right in a chamber with attitude” - The Times