Cameron Eadie: “I’m part of a new generation in Scottish Politics”
Zara Grew
(Image Credit: Scottish Green Party)
Zara Grew catches up with Glasgow University student and Green Party activist Cameron Eadie about youth representation in Scottish politics.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience in politics?
I am a 20-year-old student, reading Social and Public Policy at the University of Glasgow. I was born and brought up in South Lanarkshire.
Although it may sound somewhat cliché, the first time I became aware of politics was the 2014 Independence Referendum. Back then I was only in Primary 7 and obviously could not vote.
However, I am part of a new generation in Scottish politics; a movement of young people who are keen to see an independent Scotland in the European Union, to have the climate crisis taken seriously and to finally do away with the rife social inequalities in our society.
Why did you join the Green Party?
After watching the Scottish Greens achieve a record result in the 2021 Holyrood election, and listening to Lorna and Patrick put forward their vision for a greener, fairer, happier Scotland, I joined the party. They were offering something positive and different. I was particularly attracted to their unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community and their commitment to collaborative politics.
You recently stood in the Rutherglen and Hamilton by-election could you tell us about the experience of that?
This summer I stood in two by-elections in South Lanarkshire, the first being the East Kilbride West council by-election where I won 4% of the vote.
The second was the Rutherglen and Hamilton West Westminster by-election which was triggered by the successful recall petition of ex-MP Margaret Ferrier. It was the first time the Scottish Greens stood in Rutherglen and Hamilton West.
Meeting with residents on the campaign trail, hearing their stories, and listening to their aspirations for themselves and their community was such a rewarding experience. I am genuinely very grateful to all those who put their trust in me, backed the Scottish Green’s vision for Scotland and went out to make their voice heard on polling day.
Were you the youngest person to stand in an election in Scotland?
As much as I would have liked to have taken the title of the youngest person to stand for Westminster in Scotland, I do not think I quite managed.
Do you have any predictions on how Scotland will vote in the upcoming general election?
Obviously, it is not for me or any other politician to decide the result of the next General Election. That, of course, is a decision to be taken by the millions of people.
I am sure, however, that people will see all how the Scottish Greens have been working for them from within the Government, to deliver rent controls, removing peak time rail fares, and free bus travel for those under 22, (to name but just three) and consider voting for us.
Given the success we have had in Holyrood, imagine the positive impacts that could be brought about by having even just one Scottish Green voice in Westminster? It would certainly do the place a bit of good!
Do you think young people in Scotland are engaged in politics?
In short, yes. My real answer, however, is a little more complicated. I feel that given thirteen years of Tory austerity, culture wars and neglect of young people, a lot of us no longer see politics as a viable means of changing our lives for the better. We see young folk channeling this anger into political action; hence, a lot of protest movements today are being led by youth.
I am a firm believer in young people getting involved in politics. At age sixteen in Scotland, we can vote, get married, join the military, pay taxes, move out... So why should we not have young people participating in the decision-making process which ultimately affects our lives?
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Look around at the ‘adults in politics’: Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, Suella Braverman… I challenge you to find me a young person in Scotland who could not do a better job than any of them!