MP supports Scouts Centenary Celebrations

10.47.43am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 9th Feb 2007

Mark meeting Scouts at the Celebrations

Local Cheadle MP, Mark Hunter, has backed plans to celebrate the centenary of the Scouts this summer. A world-wide Jamboree has been organised in Essex that will see 40,000 young people taking part in community projects. The celebrations will have a special focus on social cohesion and encouraging volunteering.

Derek Twine, Chief Executive of the Scout Association said: "The 21st World Scout Jamboree being held in the UK this summer will be a real adventure for 40,000 young people from nearly every country in the world. It is an ideal opportunity for them to explore and develop their intercultural understanding which is so important in today's world where we are all global citizens with global responsibilities. For 100 years Scouting has been actively helping to change the world for the better. We passionately believe that this can be achieved by helping young people to fulfil their physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials."

Mark Hunter MP for Bramhall, Cheadle, Cheadle Hulme, Gatley, Heald Green, Woodford, Hazel Grove and Woodsmoor attended a special reception in the House of Commons this week to launch these celebrations. Speaking after the meeting he said: "I am delighted to give my full backing to these exciting proposals to celebrate the Centenary of Scouting. It is important to encourage and support efforts to increase both volunteering in the local community and international understanding, and I am proud to support an organisation that seeks to do both. 2007 will be a very important year for Scouts, Guides, Brownies and Cubs everywhere, and I am looking forward to helping with anniversary events across the Cheadle constituency".