Scouts join MPs for Speaker's reception

WARRINGTON scouts were part of a group of young people that joined MPs for the prestigious annual Speaker’s reception at the House of Commons.
Rebecca Mitchell, aged 15 from Grappenhall Heys, Ryan Beddard, 16 from Appleton, and Robin Lush, 17 from Great Sankey, from the Tsunami Explorer Unit of West Warrington Scouts, along with Scout leader Amanda Connolly were joined by more than 150 others involved in Scouting from across the UK at the event, hosted by the All Party Parlimentary Scout Group and the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP.
Ryan Beddard said: ““It was brilliant to have a chance to go to Westminster Palace and see the Houses of Parliament. Meeting with my MP gave me a chance to talk about how much Scouting has influenced my life and what MPs can do to help get more adult volunteers to give up however much of their time possible.”
The event provided a unique opportunity for young people in Scouting to experience meeting with their own and other MPs in the House of Commons to talk about the challenges facing Scouting, such as the lack of adult volunteers.
Warrington South MP David Mowat added: “I was delighted to meet some of the Scouts from Warrington and that they were given the opportunity to attend such a special event. I have also enjoyed meeting Scouts from other parts of the UK to learn about what they do every week with support from committed adult volunteers.
“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. I look forward to supporting the groups in my constituency through raising awareness of this issue in Parliament.”
Pictured in the Speaker’s Apartments are (L-R): Rebecca Mitchell from Grappenhall Heys; Ryan Beddard (Appleton); David Mowat; Robin Lush and Amanda Connolly (both Great Sankey)