Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Curtis Excerpts

Monday 17th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Emma Foody (Cramlington and Killingworth) (Lab/Co-op)]

5. What steps she is taking to support young people into employment, education or training in the Cramlington and Killingworth constituency.

[Chris Curtis (Milton Keynes North) (Lab)]

11. What steps she is taking to support young people into employment, education or training in Milton Keynes.

--- Later in debate ---

[Liz Kendall]

I congratulate Azure on its brilliant work. I believe that charities and voluntary organisations have an essential role in getting people on the pathway to work and success. I know from the supported internship programmes that have been run in my constituency, including through my local hospital, that young people with learning difficulties can, with the right support, get those jobs and get that work. That is what this Government want to deliver.

[Chris Curtis]

I am increasingly concerned by the rising number of young people in Milton Keynes who are out of work due to mental health issues, which I think is a key factor behind the nearly 12% increase in young people claiming unemployment benefits in Milton Keynes since 2024. Can the Secretary of State outline what steps the Government are taking to ensure that these young people have the support and opportunities they need to continue to improve their health, secure stable employment and live independently with better living standards?

[Liz Kendall]

I share my hon. Friend’s concerns about the number of young people not in work due to mental health conditions, which has increased by over 25% in the last year alone. The number of young people who are economically inactive due to poor mental health now stands at 270,000. That is why we are focusing on early intervention, providing mental health support in every school and recruiting an extra 8,500 more mental health staff, and from April we will be launching our youth guarantee and trailblazers to ensure that every young person is earning or learning.