National Youth Strategy

Lord Freyberg Excerpts

Thursday 13th March 2025 Grand Committee

[Lord Freyberg (CB)]

My Lords, in my limited time, I shall reflect on how the arts can empower the next generation, particularly in light of the lasting harm caused to young people by the previous Government’s misguided EBacc policy, which systematically diminished the value of creative subjects in schools.

As the Government embark on their ambitious national youth strategy, we have a rare opportunity to put arts, culture and creativity at the forefront of national renewal. As the noble Lord, Lord Aberdare, said, these are not just enriching experiences, but essential tools for fostering confidence, ambition, collaboration and the generation of ideas—vital skills for a challenging world. They bring out the best in every child, rather than excluding those who do not fit the mould.

The national youth strategy is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: young people should have a say in shaping their own futures and communities. We often discuss youth policy in terms of crime prevention, mental health and economic mobility, yet arts and culture also serve as powerful tools for tackling these challenges. They can also help to solve the special needs crisis, which consumes so much local authority spend. Creative engagement supports mental well-being, reduces anxiety and fosters social connections. Most of all, it bolsters self-esteem.

In our efforts to dismantle barriers to opportunity, we must support initiatives such as the better youth spaces programme, ensuring that every young person has a safe, inspiring place to create and collaborate, regardless of their postcode. The expanded creative careers programme will provide real pathways into industries that contribute over £125 billion to the UK economy.

Through practical guidance, mentoring and work experience opportunities, the programme connects education with industry while breaking down historical barriers to entry in creative fields. This approach recognises that, while talent exists everywhere, opportunity does not, and aims to bridge that gap. At a time when our society can feel divided, the arts offer us a shared language to celebrate diversity—including neurodiversity—bridge differences and cultivate pride in our local and national identities.

The Fabian Society’s recent report Arts for Us All by the independent Arts and Creative Industries Unit rightly advocates for a cultural pass for young people, mirroring successful models in France, Germany and Spain to increase cultural participation among young people. Let us ensure that every young person in Britain can access the creative experiences that will shape their confidence, career and community, regardless of where they come from.