Scotland’s Future
2 Jun 2014 04:16 PM
150 young people joining Cabinet event in
Glasgow’s SECC.
More than 150
young people from across Scotland will quiz the First Minister and other
members of his Cabinet at a special meeting in Glasgow later this
month.
The event, which
will take place on Friday 20 June at the Glasgow SECC, is being held to help
the Scottish Government engage and respond to young people’s questions
regarding Scotland’s Future.
Youth
organisations have worked in partnership with the Scottish Government to design
the format of the event, to inspire young people’s participation in the
democratic process.
Ministers will
participate in a series of small discussion groups with young people,
addressing key themes such as education, health and the economy in an
independent Scotland.
The event will
also be streamed live on the internet, with young people and Modern Apprentices
closely involved in the compering, filming and broadcasting of the
event.
First Minister
Alex Salmond said:
“Scotland’s referendum this September offers
a huge opportunity for this nation, and we want young people to be as engaged
in the debate as possible.
“Scotland’s Future clearly sets out our
vision for an independent country, and how we can use Scotland’s immense
wealth to build a fairer and more prosperous nation, including the creation of
more jobs and opportunities for young people.
“This
special cabinet event in Glasgow will offer all the young people attending, and
those watching online, the chance to ask myself and other members of the
Scottish Cabinet anything they like about the issues they are interested in. I
look forward to what will be a lively exchange, at a fantastic
venue.”
Kyle Thornton,
Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said:
“Young
people across Scotland have been telling the Scottish Youth Parliament that
they want clear answers to their questions about the Independence Referendum.
They want to be able to engage with and shape the debate. One of the most
important ways to enable them to do that is to ensure their questions and
opinions are heard.
“We are
therefore delighted that young people will have the opportunity to pose their
questions on Scotland’s Future directly to the Scottish Government.
Through our work at the Scottish Youth Parliament we know that when you engage
with people on their terms and on their issues, people are much more likely to
vote. We want to ensure young people are as engaged as possible and that the
importance of their involvement in democratic debate is
recognised.”
Notes To
Editors
Scottish Youth
Parliament, Young Scot and YouthLink Scotland, the national agency for youth
work, have given guidance to the Scottish Government in enabling this event to
take place. All three organisations are working together to raise participation
in the coming referendum and to ensure young people have access to sources of
impartial information so they can make an informed decision for
themselves.