What are 'Manifesto Motions'?

Find out about one of the ways MSYPs can influence what's discussed at the June Sitting and what our Youth Manifesto will look like...

Summary

  • MSYP submits idea
  • Ideas chosen for debate
  • Chosen ideas are discussed at SYP Sitting
  • If a majority of MSYPs vote for the idea it joins other ideas for consideration for the Manifesto

Introduced at the SYP’s Sitting in Hamilton in September 2008, Members’ Motions are intended to allow MSYPs to highlight issues which have come to their attention, either through their personal circumstances or through discussion with constituents.

Members' Motions have been a highlight of the last few Sittings, and we want to include something similar at the June Sitting to influence the Youth Manifesto. Click here for more about the Manifesto process.

The SYP’s Conveners Group will examine the ideas you send and look to accommodate these in the Sitting programme, the process should look a bit like this…

Before the Sitting

Whilst we're looking for ideas for the Manifesto right up until the end of May, we want to have a full debate on some of the ideas you suggest. For the June Sitting, the closing date for submissions is Monday 19th April.

As soon after as possible

The SYP Conveners Group will decide on the topics to be put forward and MSYPs will be informed, to allow them to discuss with their constituents (locally or within their vol orgs).

Between then and Sitting

SYP staff will support the MSYPs who have proposed topics to put together some background information which will be sent to MSYPs as soon as it becomes available.

At the Sitting

MSYP who proposed the topic will give a short intro (no more than 5 mins) and the issue will be put to MSYPs to have a debate. When the Chair is satisfied that the issue has been discussed fully, it will be put to a vote and, dependent on the outcome, will join the other ideas for the Youth Manifesto.

What can I submit?

In short, any issue that you think would be good for MSYPs to discuss and that you think should be included in the Manifesto! Previous Member's Motions have included...

  • “Compulsory political education should be provided in all schools in Scotland"
  • “Mosquito devices should be banned”
  • “Exam leave should be given for prelims in all schools in Scotland”
  • “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 SYP should get more involved in addressing knife crime in Scotland"
  • "Holocaust education should be made compulsory in secondary schools"


If you have any questions about the process or possible ideas, please contact Rob on 0131 313 2488 to discuss.