Carmichael praises Youth Parliament movement in debate on Global Intergenerational Week 2024

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today spoken in Parliament on Global Intergenerational Week 2024 to highlight the importance of building up ways for different generations in the UK to connect and engage with one another. Mr Carmichael spoke about his recent meeting with Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament in the Northern Isles and priorities they shared with islanders of all generations.

Global Intergenerational Week 2024 ran from 24 to 30 April 2024. The campaign aims to “celebrate the power of intergenerational relationships” and encourage “everyone to embrace intergenerational practice and relationships”. The campaign is organised and coordinated by Generations Working Together.

Speaking during the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“Would she agree with me that one of the most positive developments in recent years on this has been the creation and the growth of the Youth Parliament?

“I had the opportunity last week to meet with Shetland’s two new MSYPs, Joe Smith and Bertie Summers, and I was struck with the fact that, although we were talking about the same issues that Shetlanders would identify across the whole piece, they brought a completely new and fresh perspective.”

Responding, Marion Fellows MP said:

“I absolutely agree – I also have frequently met with my MSYPs, and they bring a breath of fresh air into our discussions and we should really treasure that.”

Reacting after the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“Whenever I meet with our local MSYPs to hear about their plans for representing younger people here, it is always a productive discussion. Like most people in the isles of any age, they share the same determination to see that people here are given the same opportunities that are offered to people anywhere else in the country.

“Whether it is older generations or younger, the goal has got to be to find ways to build on these conversations on the family, community and national level. Projects like the Global Intergenerational Week are a useful way to build up those links so that different age groups across our country better understand one another – and our shared values and priorities.”