Explorer Scouts from 1st Purley & Pangbourne Scout Group were given a glimpse into parliamentary life with a visit from Olivia Bailey, the Member of Parliament for Reading West and Mid Berkshire.
Over 30 Explorers, aged 14-18-years-old, attended the session at the Barn in Purley-on-Thames to hear from Olivia, who covered a range of topics in a question-and-answer session.
Olivia started with an insight into her early inspiration for politics, as a young teenager wanting to campaign for equality.
“I’ve always thought politics is the way to make change happen, and that’s what I’ve tried to do throughout my life” she said. “For example, I was involved in student politics, and, for a while, I was in the National Union of Students (NUS) as a Women’s Officer, campaigning against sexual harassment on university campuses.”
After a series of introductory questions, the floor was opened to the Explorers who quizzed Olivia on a range of subjects, with no topics off the table. From the specifics of an MP’s role, debating in parliament, to mental health, trans rights, antisocial behaviour, education, and reducing the voting age to 16, it was a packed conversation.
Olivia said: “I had a fantastic time with the Purley and Pangbourne Explorers, who are a shining example of the many enthusiastic and dedicated young people in our community. The wide range of questions they asked are proof that they are incredibly engaged and passionate about their futures, which is something very important to harness.”
Talking about the lowering of voting age to 16, Olivia said: “Your voice really matters, and everybody is qualified to have a perspective on politics because it’s your entire life. It’s not something you need to have a deep knowledge of; it’s just how you feel about the world around you, so I’m really pleased that more young people will be able to vote.”
She was also keen to support the work of uniformed organisations like the Scouts and Guides. “I think it’s really important. One of the things that I feel that we didn’t have enough of, and we have seen a decline of, is the number of structured things for young people to do outside of school. Explorers do some wonderful things in the community that makes a big difference to the local area, as well as learning important skills for their future lives.”
Explorers Lead Volunteer Chris Hughes said: “We were hugely grateful to Olivia for giving up time in her busy schedule to spend time with our Unit. 35 Explorers is an unforgiving audience. I was impressed with the wide range of topics covered, and the passion that our Explorers have for making a positive change in our society. Giving young people a voice is a vital part of Scouting, and it was heartening to see that brought to life in the session with Olivia.”