Earlier today I spoke in the Commons on the National Youth Strategy Debate which you can access here.
I share David's deep disappointment in Labour's decision to scrap the National Citizen Service - a programme he had the foresight to establish.
Since 2011, NSC has transformed the lives of 750,000 young people, with an extraordinary 93% satisfaction rate. I've had the privilege of visiting many NSC projects and seeing first hand how it brings young people from all backgrounds together, and hearing their enthusiasm for the programme. By ending this successful programme, Labour will deprive thousands of young people of vital opportunities for growth, social mobility and community engagement.
This is the wrong decision that will leave a significant gap in youth services, and I'm particularly concerned about provision in the interim period. While I welcome the broader youth strategy and will work constructively with the government, ending NSC is a serious mistake.
