Medway Labour and Cooperative Group today welcomed the warm support from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for young people in his leader’s speech at conference.  Sir Keir announced ‘the most ambitious school improvement plan in a generation’ to ensure that every child in the country will be able to attend a great state school.  He indicated a renewed focus on practical and vocational education, promising a return to two weeks of work experience for all students.  Labour will also ensure that all young people receive careers advice, can play competitive sport and learn to play a musical instrument.

Cllr Pat Cooper, Labour and Cooperative Member of Medway Council’s Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said, ‘Keir Starmer has a clear vision that places children and young people at the centre of what Labour has to offer Medway and our country.  His speech was an exciting and inspiring programme for the future and Medway’s young people can trust Labour to tackle the issues that really count.’

Cllr Clive Johnson, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, added, ‘After years of austerity that undermined the lives of children and families and that have resulted in a history of failure of Conservative Medway’s services for children, it was fantastic to see a lively vision of how much better young people’s lives can be.  From climate change, to school standards, from qualifications that meet the needs of young people and our economy to enriching young people’s lives, Keir Starmer shows that only Labour has the answers.’