25.04.2017
Young people from across Scotland are coming to the Scottish Parliament today (Tuesday 25 April) to have their say on what sort of future relations they would like to see between Scotland and the EU, after Brexit.
The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee is holding the event for around 40 people, all aged 16 – 25 years old.
Participants have been invited from a number of youth organisations, including, Young Scot, Youth Link Scotland, the Scottish Youth Parliament and Edinburgh University. A number of regional based youth organisations will also be represented.
Amongst the issues expected to be discussed are
- education – including the impact on Scottish universities, research funding and the future of the ERASMUS scheme;
- the economy – including freedom of movement, trade and access to the single market; and
- the environment, including climate change initiative and European food standards.
After a preparatory session in the morning where participants will work in groups to explore a range of issues, eight participants will then take part in a round table meeting with MSPs to feed back their groups’ views to the Committee.
Joan McAlpine MSP, Convener of the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee, said:
“Our Committee has reported on the concerns and hopes facing the different areas of our society, from the economy to citizens’ rights and education. Today’s event provides a voice for Scotland’s young people to have their say on what kind of relationship Scotland should have with Europe and the EU after Brexit.
“Nothing is off the table, from education and research to trade and immigration; from human rights to climate change, this is an opportunity for a range of young people to contribute to the debate on Scotland’s future relationship with Europe.”
Background
The formal meeting of the Committee with the eight young people representing the morning’s discussion groups will take place between 13:00 – 14:00 in Committee Room 1, the Scottish Parliament.