Keir Starmer’s plan to save lots of Britain’s youngsters from three main risks

PM Keir Starmer has vowed to tackle a crisis of young people struggling with ‘unprecedented levels of isolation’ with the launch of a landmark youth strategy on Wednesday

Keir Starmer has vowed to tackle a crisis of young people struggling with “unprecedented levels of isolation” with the launch of a landmark youth strategy.

The Prime Minister said the 10-year blueprint will “turn the tide on the lost decade of young kids left as collateral damage”.

The Government has pledged £500million of investment for the first National Youth Strategy in 15 years, which is published today. Ministers said the plans will aim to ensure 500,000 more young people across England have access to a trusted adult outside their home as well as resources on how to stay safe online as part of the plans.

It is hoped the plans will protect young people from “isolation online” in favour of “connection and in real life connections”.

It is released alongside a ‘State of the Nation’ survey, involving more than 14,000 young people and commissioned by the Government, which shows young people are concerned about a lack of mental health support, growing social isolation and an absence of youth services in their communities.

The study found youngsters’ worlds have been shaped by the Covid-19 pandemic, the cost of living crisis, an always-on digital world and ongoing global uncertainty.

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Under Labour’s strategy, up to 250 youth facilities will be built or refurbished over the next four years, a network of 50 Young Futures Hubs will be launched by March 2029 and £22.5m will be ploughed into a new programme to support kids around the school day.

The 50 new hubs will provide access to youth workers and other professionals, supporting youngsters’ wellbeing and career development. The first eight hubs, which will be operational by March, are in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, County Durham, Nottingham, Bristol, Tower Hamlets, and Brighton and Hove.

The strategy also sets out plans to halve the gap between richer and poorer kids in accessing meaningful activities, including those in and out of school. A Richer Young Lives Fund worth over £60m will support organisations in underserved areas to deliver high-quality youth work and activities.

Over the weekend, the DWP also announced an £820m funding package to support young people into employment and training and a £725m investment in apprenticeship reforms.

Mr Starmer said: “As a dad and as Prime Minister, I believe it is our generation’s greatest responsibility to turn the tide on the lost decade of young kids left as collateral damage. It is our moral mission.

“Today, my Government sets out a clear, ambitious and deliverable plan – investing in the next generation so that every child has the chance to see their talents take them as far as their ability can.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “The challenges facing young people today are urgent and demand a major change in direction. For too long, youth policy has been an afterthought. This generation deserves better.

“Young people are the most digitally connected but also the most isolated in generations with many wanting more meaningful real life connections.”

Leigh Middleton OBE, chief executive of the National Youth Agency. said: “The National Youth Strategy puts young people at the centre of change, reflecting what they have said they need: safe spaces, trusted adults, and real opportunities to thrive.

“Youth work is essential in delivering these plans, and the Strategy makes that clear. We look forward to working with the Government to ensure this ambition is matched with action, delivering equity and lasting improvements for every young person.”

Lib Dem education spokeswoman Munira Wilson said: “These in-person spaces and facilities are more essential than ever at a time when social media and screen time is blighting children’s mental and physical health.”

She also called for urgent reform of the special education needs and disabilities system. Ministers will set out plans to overhaul the system next year.