Yesterday (Tuesday, 18 November 2025), Scotland’s young people took centre stage at a meeting with the First Minister and his Cabinet, as Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) and Children’s Parliament (MCPs) came together to share their views for the nation’s future.
Since 2017, the Annual Cabinet Meeting with Children and Young People (known as Cabinet Takeover) has played a crucial role in bringing the voices of young people directly to Scotland’s most senior politicians. This year was no exception.
Co-chaired by Ellie Craig MSYP, and Cara and Evie on behalf of the Children’s Parliament, the event was a powerful showcase of young people in action. Through a series of interactive group sessions, MSYPs and MCPs led discussions, presenting key topics and priorities for the day directly to Cabinet members.
First Minister John Swinney said:
We want Scotland to be a country that respects, protects and fulfils children’s rights. The Cabinet meeting demonstrates our commitment to hearing first-hand about the issues that are important to children and young people, making sure that their voices are heard, valued and taken seriously.
The Children’s Parliament and the Scottish Youth Parliament ensure that our children and young people are empowered to confidently express their views and have a real influence on the issues that matter most to them.
Jack Anderson and Rajsee Saraf MSYPs called for early action to tackle gender-based violence and challenge discrimination, while Amna Ansar and Jamail Umar MSYPs highlighted the need for better signposting of mental health support. Similarly, Alex Waterston-Law and Jamie Dickson MSYPs urged greater investment in youth work to secure Scotland’s future.
The Children’s Parliament focused on issues surrounding the climate emergency, mental health, bullying, and vaping. To help shape the discussions, MCPs decorated the spaces where they met with decision-makers, taking them on a creative journey through these topics from a children’s perspective.
You can find out more about the Children’s Parliament here.
Ellie Craig, SYP Chair and MSYP for Glasgow Cathcart, said:
Cabinet Takeover offers a unique opportunity in that it allows senior decision-makers to understand the challenges children and young people currently face in Scotland, as well as what can be done to make sure they access the support they need to unlock their full potential.
Since this year’s Cabinet Takeover was part of a two-year cycle, it saw MSYPs reflect on the progress that’s been achieved so far, while setting the agenda for the issues we’d like to see change over the next few years, many of which are included in our brand-new manifesto, Dear Scotland’s Future.
The day also saw Ellie Craig MSYP and Cara MCP interview the First Minister, John Swinney, following the main discussions. Likewise, Marcus Flucker, MSYP for Angus South and SYP Vice Chair, and Evie MCP sat down with Cabinet Secretary for Education Jenny Gilruth. Further details from these conversations will be shared soon.
Cabinet Takeover continues to strengthen young people’s role in shaping national policy and has already contributed to landmark achievements, including the incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law. Further information can be found here.
