Youth Unemployment

Debate between Pat McFadden and Chris Bloore

Tuesday 17th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)]

I call Chris Bloore for the final question.

[Chris Bloore (Redditch) (Lab)]

I am always happy to be last on an announcement such as this. The businesses and young people in my constituency strongly welcome what the Secretary of State has announced today. As I listened to those on the Opposition Front Bench, I was reminded of the statement by Senator Moynihan of New York:

“you are entitled to your own opinions, but you are not entitled to your own facts”.

Sadly, the Opposition have failed to mention that for over a decade, the UK has fallen behind other OECD countries when it comes to reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training. That is because of structural failings in both education and public health, which the previous Government did nothing to solve. How can young people and businesses in my constituency of Redditch take part in this scheme, which will finally start addressing the tragedy of NEETs in our constituencies?

[Pat McFadden]

On the final question, I agree with my hon. Friend that this problem of young people not in education, employment or training is a long-term one that grew under the tutelage of the Conservative party, and about which it did precisely nothing. This statement and package is a different approach, with a very clear message behind it. Let us go out and sell it. That message is: we believe in Britain’s young people; we want to give them a better future; and we have a package of help to enable them to achieve that.

Government Resilience Action Plan

Debate between Pat McFadden and Chris Bloore

Tuesday 8th July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Pat McFadden]

We have set aside some £4 billion for investment in flood defences. The details of when and where that will be spent will be set out by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

[Chris Bloore (Redditch) (Lab)]

I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement. One of the most striking conclusions from the covid inquiry was that vulnerable people were the hardest hit. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that support will reach vulnerable people much more quickly in the event of another incident?

[Pat McFadden]

That is a good and important question. As I said, resilience has to be for all, not just for some. This is taken very seriously at the National Situation Centre. As data gets better—as, for example, energy companies get a better map of their vulnerable customers—we are getting to a better place when it comes to knowing exactly where the Government should direct their effort when an emergency hits. It is a really important part of community solidarity that people of all income groups know that the Government are there for them when an emergency hits.