Views of thousands of young people being sought

The Scottish Youth Parliament is seeking the views of thousands of young people across Scotland to develop its next national youth manifesto.

Its current manifesto, Change the Picture, expires next year having run since 2011.

It was shaped by the views of around 43,000 people and gave the SYP a manifesto to campaign on matters such as Votes at 16.

It’s hoped this time round even more people will take part in deciding the direction the parliament will follow from 2016 to 2021 creating the parliament’s biggest every manifesto.

Launching the consultation Jordan Linden MSYP, chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said it is up to the young people of Scotland to lead the way.

“Young people must be at the heart of discussions about their future, leading conversations in their communities, schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces,” he said.

Young people must be at the heart of discussions about their future, leading conversations in their communities, schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces

“Young people are not only the future of our country, they are the present.

“Our previous manifestos have given us the mandate to make significant changes in local and national policy, including ensuring 16 and 17 year olds could vote in the referendum and in the Scottish Parliament elections next year.

“Through our manifesto consultation, we will ensure young people’s voices are heard.

“The views of Scotland’s young people underpin everything we do as an organisation, and our 2016-2021 youth manifesto will allow young people to truly lead the way in championing the issues that young people care about.”

Those aged between 12 and 25 are invited to take part in the consultation via Survey Monkey.