How the Scottish Youth Parliament can Influence Government Policy
Ahead of the Scottish Youth Parliament elections that take place between 8 November - 21 November, Matthew Muir spoke to Kayla Gardner, Airdrie and Shotts MSYP, about the upcoming election and how the youth parliament can influence the work of Holyrood.
Kayla Gardner, 17, from Shotts, has always been interested in politics.
Since being elected a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) last year, she has fought on a variety of issues to help make Scotland a better place for its young people.
The Scottish Youth Parliament was formed in 1999 and holds elections every two years. Candidates between the ages of 14-25 can put themselves forwards for any of the 166 MSYP roles. Since being elected for the Airdrie and Shotts seat in a 2020 by-election, Ms Gardner has already helped to make the parliament’s influence felt, playing a part of the bill to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law, that was passed in the Scottish Parliament on 16 March this year.
On what was a history-breaking moment in Scottish politics, Ms Gardner said: “It was such an overwhelming feeling of joy and happiness. It shows that everybody in parliament agrees that it isn’t just about children’s rights, its law.”
Ms Gardner also expressed her disappointment that it isn’t reciprocated in England.
“I find it appalling that down in Westminster, they won’t do anything and have upheld their decision to do so.”
Kayla Gardner MSYP, photo used with permission from Kayla Gardner
On why she got involved in the SYP, Ms Gardner said: “I have always been interested in politics, from a young age, I would watch the Prime Minister’s Questions every week.
“Parliament looked like an environment I would thrive in, I have always wanted to be involved in making change, from being part of the pupil council in high school and volunteering for my local foodbank.
“I thought it would be brilliant if I joined the youth parliament, so I could fight for change on a bigger scale.”
Earlier this year, Ms Gardner, alongside her fellow MSYPs presented a motion to call on the Scottish Government to stand with the Uyghur peoples of China - the motion passed with 90% support.
“In China, the Uyghur people were being held captive in camps where they were being tortured, forced to drink alcohol and being submitted to rape.
“It was incredibly important that we ensured Holyrood would pass this bill and show we don’t stand with oppression.”
Naturally, Ms Gardner is looking forward to the upcoming SYP elections and looking ahead to her campaign.
“I am really looking forward to visiting schools and the community and tell people all about the successful changes I have done so far.”