Dear Prime Minister,
Congratulations on being elected by your members to head your party and by association our country.
You have many big issues to deal with, however today, your first full day in your new role, we have four additional and important challenges for you that will support those that are being directly affected by the cost of living crisis, and have not yet been directly acknowledged by their government – the young people of the UK.
To date they have been the forgotten victims of both lockdown and the cost of living crisis. The impact that this has had on mental health, education and employment opportunities is catastrophic and in order for us to transform Britain into an “aspiration nation where everyone, everywhere has the opportunities they deserve” we need support for our young people and we need it now.
The fallout from Covid and the recent economic challenges has had a disproportionate impact on the nation’s young people in terms of education, opportunity and mental wellbeing. Without focussed intervention from your government the “future generation” will be a lost generation, with all the negative ramifications this will have in society. Prevention is better than cure and decisive intervention now will negate the need to provide more expensive remedies in the future. This is a win-win in terms of compassion and economics.
We believe that your commitment to opportunity and prosperity for future generations should start with the young people currently suffering from the disruption of recent years, that has through no fault of their own left them disadvantaged and disenchanted.
At Inspire our focus is on providing support, opportunity and mentoring for these young people, but we will not be able to succeed without your government recognising the gravity of the situation and committing to urgently help fund services, like ours, that are helping these vulnerable people at a critical juncture in their lives.
We also believe that delivering immediate tangible support for our cause will provide you with an additional and lasting legacy from your premiership and prove the sincerity of your statement on the steps of 10 Downing Street.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn around the lives of the people on whom our great country’s future depends. Your cabinet is the most diverse in history, so please don’t forget that youth is a group that could be marginalised. They need to be represented and engaged by your government.
So we are calling for you to address the following:
Firstly the appointment of a Minister for Young People, not just a duty within a wider ministerial brief but whose role is to specifically represent this group, would be a strong signal of intent and demonstrable commitment to this challenge.
A levelling up of the minimum wage, irrespective of age (including apprentices).
A full and unfaltering commitment to improve access to mental health services for children and young people, with a first consultation, when needed, within 14 days.
And finally an education that truly meets the needs and learning challenges of the individual. In many cases this would be hands-on, vocational learning.
We look forward to your response to our challenge to you, and offer our assistance to help your government move this forward post haste.
Yours Sincerely,
Inspire
