Oral Answers to Questions

Elaine Stewart Excerpts

Wednesday 4th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this case, which will be a real concern for his constituents. I am sure the Conservatives will have heard the reality of what they did over 14 years, destroying everything in this country. We are fixing that and I will ensure that he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss this further.

[Elaine Stewart (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab)]

Q8. After decades of failing policies under both Conservative and SNP Governments, I welcome this Labour Government’s major drive to get young people earning and learning. In my constituency, by working with Ayrshire college and the Pride in Place board, we finally have a chance to break that cycle and bring real youth-focused regeneration to our high streets through the Department for Work and Pensions youth initiative. Will the Prime Minister meet me to discuss this important issue, and will he support making Ayrshire a priority for a DWP youth hub?

[The Prime Minister]

The Conservative party left one in eight young people not earning or learning. We are not doing so, and we will tackle it: more apprenticeships, more careers support, a jobs guarantee to provide paid employment, a youth guarantee to get more young people into earning or learning, and over 360 youth hubs to help young people access opportunities. My hon. Friend makes a strong case, which I know my right hon. Friend the Work and Pensions Secretary has heard. I hope there will be good news for her later this year.