Young People in Scotland: Employment Opportunities

Debate between Lord Sarwar and Earl of Kinnoull

Monday 14th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Sarwar (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for his question. The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is a good example of local authorities, the Scottish Government and the UK Government working together to drive investment into the Borderlands area—exports out and investments in—to create more opportunities. Let me emphasise again: in far too many parts of Scotland, young people are forced to leave because there is no access to local skills, well-paid local jobs or local housing. Many of those young people leave and never go back, and that is unfair for far too many parts of our country.

[The Earl of Kinnoull (CB)]

My Lords, the Interministerial Group for Business and Industry last met on 3 February by videophone. The communique lays out the four items that were discussed, which did not include this very important area. Will the Minister, whom I welcome to his position, tell us when the interministerial group will meet again and whether he will undertake to make sure that this issue is on the list of items to be discussed when it does?

[Lord Sarwar (Lab)]

I thank the noble Earl for his question. We were due to meet last week, but, sadly, Ministers in the devolved Administrations had to rearrange. I look forward to meeting very soon, and I will ensure that youth unemployment is high up the agenda.