Today I listened to students, lecturers and professors at the University of Southampton. It is important to me that policymakers make sure that the next generation is engaged and involved in the decisions we make now, which will shape their future.
I look forward to helping all young people achieve their full potential. I want to set the stage for the future you deserve and want.
In my introduction, I talked about my values and my public service. Why I joined the army and wanted to serve my country:
"I always had instilled in me from my family, public service. Therefore, whilst I was working full time, I joined the British army reserves (The Honourable Artillery Company) and served for six years in the regiment. If you look at their recruitment poster, it involved running up and down hills, in the rain, in the dark carrying a "fridge" on your back. It wasn't much fun. It was very similar to my journey either in politics or in sport or in law. It was hard work. There is a picture of us on some operation somewhere, when we were much much younger."
In concluding, I summed up why I wanted to serve the people of Southampton, saying:
"I need to work harder to make your lives better. What is it that you need me to do for you? That is the key essence of my political vision. I've come from an unusual background, from finance and law. I've come to politics, not because I'm a politician, but because I want to GET THINGS DONE and listen to people. I'll pause there and move to the discussion."
Feedback:
Question: What do you think of Sidney as a person?
Students commented, " I thought he was very insightful. It was interesting to see how involved he is in the community and in volunteering."
First year students commented, "I thought it was very insightful. I like how he is very personable. The questions that we asked were answered."
Question: Is Sidney the sort of person you would vote for if you were voting in an election?
"Yes. Now that I have met Sidney personally, I feel like having him as an MP, I feel like I can go up to him and talk to him."
Senior leadership members commented, " I thought Sidney was really honest and candid with his background and journey."
Please contact me for more information.
Sidney Yankson
