Neil and Carlaw to discuss 'improving political culture'

The Herald Scotland

2 days ago

Entitled 'Political Conversations', this evening discussion will see the former SNP cabinet secretary and former Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party take in a discussion with senior pupils at Kilmarnock Academy in Ayrshire.
Launching the initiative, Eddie Barnes, Director of the John Smith Institute, said: 'Politics is still the best way to make change in society but we know too many young people are turning their backs on democratic engagement because they don't believe it matters or because of the toxicity of our public debate.
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'Political differences of opinion have always existed and indeed are fundamental to the democratic process. But whereas in the past people were able to express those differences respectfully, we now live in an era in which rancour, toxicity and even abuse are all too commonplace.
'The consequences are worrying: when we asked young people whether they backed democracy over dictatorship, more than a third said they'd support dictatorship.
'It doesn't have to be this way. We can continue to disagree on issues, but what matters is the way in which we do so.
'In short, we need to learn how to disagree more agreeably – with courtesy, civility and in an atmosphere of mutual respect."
Dr Macklin, who is co-hosting the event, said: 'I have always been deeply interested in the political process, and whilst I am not affiliated to any one party, I believe it is vital that we do more to engage younger people in a positive way with politics.
'The toxicity we witness all too often these days is having a profoundly corrosive effect not only on our day-to-day political debate, but on the foundations on which our politics sits."
A recent opinion poll of younger adults commissioned by the John Smith Centre found that while most believe in democracy, they fear for its future, with 63 per cent believing that democracy in the UK is 'in trouble'. There was also a strong call for 'better politics', involving more honest, more open debate.
This week's event is envisaged as the first in a series of similar events in schools across Scotland, to be facilitated by the John Smith Centre, in which other leading political figures will take part in debate and discussion on the way forward for the political process.
Looking ahead to Monday's event, Mr Carlaw said: 'I'm delighted to be taking part in the very first event in this new initiative, and to have the opportunity to engage in political debate in front of an audience of senior pupils in Kilmarnock.
'Alex and myself have crossed swords rhetorically many times over the years, and will no doubt continue to hold opposing views on many issues, but I hope that by taking part in this event we can demonstrate that it is possible to do so in a way that is positive, respectful and constructive.'
Mr Neil said: 'Engaging younger people with politics in a positive way is absolutely essential, not least given the level of polarisation we are currently witnessing.
'I was very happy to accept the invitation from the John Smith Centre and Marie to participate in this event, and I look forward to discussion with Jackson, with whom I have had many lively but respectful debates with over the years.'