SCOUTS from Ellesmere Port and Neston joined their MP, Andrew Miller, last week at the House of Commons.
The annual prestigious Speaker’s Reception, hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Scout Group and the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP, is a unique opportunity for young people in Scouting to meet MPs in the House of Commons to talk about the challenges facing Scouting, such as the lack of adult volunteers.
James Leyland, 13, from 1st Ince and Elton, attended the reception and said: “The trip to London gave me the opportunity to mingle with Scouts from all over the country and meet our local MP to discuss things that interest me.
“It also gave me the chance to visit Parliament and to talk to MPs; to find out what it was really like, not just as the media presents it.
“It was an amazing opportunity and experience which won’t leave me for the rest of my life.”
Ashley Proctor, a 23-year-old Scout leader at 1st Ince and Elton who also attended, said: “The Speaker’s Reception was a fantastic opportunity to meet other Scouts from all over the country and to also meet my local MP to discuss issues about Scouting and the local community.
“It gave me an insight into what goes on in Parliament and the chance to see what MPs are doing to help support Scouting across the country.”
Mr Miller said: “I was delighted to meet some of the Scouts from Ellesmere Port and Neston at such a special event.
“It is clear that Scouting continues to be relevant and dynamic, providing young people the chance to try out new adventures, from hiking to snowboarding to working within their local communities.
“I have learned more about the challenges faced by the movement such as the lack of adult volunteers and I look forward to supporting the groups in my constituency through raising awareness of this issue in Parliament.”
