South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield has participated in ‘The Moment’, a nationwide opportunity for children and young people to meet with their elected representatives across Scotland and highlight their concerns about the climate emergency ahead of COP26.

Mr Whitfield joined year P6/7 pupils at Dirleton Primary School for an online discussion to enable them to share their views about the climate emergency, and their ideas about what should be done to tackle this in Scotland.

Organised by Globe International, Children’s Parliament and the Scottish Youth Parliament,  The Moment took place across Scotland on 29 October and was the first ever nationwide opportunity for children and young people to meet each Scottish MP, MSP and local Councillor.

Speaking after the online meeting, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“I think ‘The Moment’ is a fantastic idea and am very pleased to have participated in the day and hear what children in Dirleton had to say about the climate emergency. They showed the same knowledge and passion about the issues that I have come to expect from children and young people across the South Scotland region.

“As an educator by profession and my party’s spokesperson on children and young people, I am always seeking to engage with young people and listen to their views. They are the ones who as adults will have to deal with the consequences of the decisions we make now, so it is vital that they have a strong voice and that politicians listen to them.

“I thank Globe International, Children’s Parliament and the Scottish Youth Parliament for their work on ‘The Moment’, and more widely on representing and supporting children and young people. I also want to take this opportunity to restate my strong commitment to always listening to children and young people’s views.”

Further information about The Moment and the wider Climate Change Makers activity can be found at https://climatechangemakers.childrensparliament.org.uk/the-moment/