Oral Answers to Questions

Josh Newbury Excerpts

Thursday 26th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Lisa Nandy]

Rugby union plays a vital role in our national identity. It matters to hugely to many Members of this House, almost as much as rugby league—the finest form of rugby, Mr Speaker. I appreciate the serious concerns of Welsh rugby fans, including the hon. Gentleman. He knows that the UK Government have no role in the operations of Welsh Rugby Union. Welsh sports policy is the responsibility of the Welsh Government and Sport Wales, so I strongly suggest that he raise his concerns with them.

[Josh Newbury (Cannock Chase) (Lab)]

T3. Having seen youth services slashed by the coalition Government and Staffordshire’s youth service shut down completely 13 years ago, I very much welcome this Government’s commitment to half a billion pounds to reverse the damage done by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Staffordshire missed out on the better youth spaces programme, so as the Department rolls out Young Futures hubs, youth centres and more youth workers, could the Minister assure my constituents that areas like Cannock Chase that have no youth service whatsoever will benefit from Labour’s reinvestment in the futures of our young people?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)]

Spending on youth services in England saw a 73% reduction under the last Government. Too many areas like my hon. Friend’s then had no youth services. That is why our national youth strategy, backed by over £500 million, is reversing that trend, and I would be happy to discuss it further with him.