Oral Answers to Questions

Rachel Hopkins Excerpts

Wednesday 15th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

Relevant Ministers are happy to discuss with the hon. Member the specific site she mentions in greater depth, and I can reassure her that we are committed to protecting our countryside. Our land use framework balances restoring nature with meeting the demands of homes and energy. We have just announced £60 million—a record amount—to support nature and threatened species.

[Rachel Hopkins (Luton South and South Bedfordshire) (Lab)]

Q14. I greatly welcome the Government’s announcement to open a youth hub in Luton to help bring together jobs, skills and wellbeing support in one place. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that after years of neglect under the previous Conservative Government, it is this Labour Government who are investing in the future of our young people?

[The Prime Minister]

May I start by congratulating Luton Town on winning at Wembley—having been coached, of course, by Jack Wilshere, a great ex-Arsenal star? I am delighted that my hon. Friend’s constituency is benefiting from a new youth hub, one of the 80 additional hubs that we are launching across the country. That is in stark contrast to what we inherited: over 1,000 youth centres were closed under the Tories and spending on youth services was slashed by 73%. Labour is bringing youth clubs back, and we are proud to do so, building a better future for our young people.