The annual Conservative Party Conference took place at Manchester recently, and at the conference was Ryan Fleming from Bishop Auckland.
The 17 year-old was one of nearly a hundred Scouts from across the UK at the special fringe “Scouts Speak Up event”, which provides young people with a valuable opportunity to talk to MPs and other influential people about the issues that affect them, both locally and nationally.
These events have proved to be a huge success in recent years in terms of empowering young people. This year, Scouts were given the opportunity to choose subjects of discussion and prepared questions to ask the MPs prior to the event.
Ryan, who is part of St Helen’s Scout Group and attends St John’s School, said, “I really enjoyed talking to MPs who care about our hopes for the future and views on issues that are currently affecting us. I was eager to make good use of this opportunity to discuss ways in which my friends and I can improve our community and help make a difference.”
Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon and keynote speaker at the event said, “Scouts provide a fantastic service to their local communities. If it was down to me, I would hand over the entire country’s youth services to Scouts and organisations like it as they have their finger on the pulse of what activities actually connect with young people today”.
Chief Scout Bear Grylls commented, “Events like this are really important for Scouts who are looking to make change happen. I want members to feel empowered to fulfil their dreams and ambitions, value the contribution they make to our communities and to feel proud of everything they do.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
