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Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
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Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
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Britain risks a 'bedroom generation'
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Former Blair-era ‘big beast’ Alan Milburn is back - with a timely warning about the crisis of young people not in education, employment, or training (Neets).
New figures released today show the number of Neets has reached more than one million for the first time since 2013.
Mr Milburn, a former Labour health secretary, has warned in a landmark review that the problem is costing £125bn a year and that Britain faces a “lost generation” if action is not taken.
Part of the problem is the sharp fall in the number of entry level jobs. The report found there are 1.6 million fewer low and medium-skilled jobs in the economy than 20 years ago. Meanwhile systemic problems are leading to a 'bedroom generation' who spend their lives on their phones and do not leave their rooms, Mr Milburn warned.
What’s the solution, you ask? Well, Mr Milburn said he would set out his ideas on that in the autumn.
But he did warn Labour’s minimum wage rise has made it difficult for employers to hire young people - a hard message for ministers in his own party to hear.
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“The business world is fast-moving, ever-changing and highly complex. Fortunately, by subscribing to Independent Premium, you will receive my columns in which, drawing on my long experience as a City editor and business writer, and my knowledge of many of the characters, companies and institutions involved, I make sense of it all for you. I focus on the important stuff, what is really going on, what it actually means. Do sign up and have a read - and please, let me have your feedback and ideas”
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Isabel, 23, tells Chloe Combi the brutal truth of being a young jobseeker today items |
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Fertility rates have hit record lows in England and Wales. But it takes two to procreate – so why does the conversation always seem to revolve around women, asks Helen Coffey
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What else you need to know |
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Whoever is prime minister needs to be more New Labour |
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John Rentoul, Chief Political Commentator
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John Rentoul, Chief Political Commentator
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Tony Blair’s explosive essay on government failings set out the need for a new agenda for Britain, while Alan Milburn – one of the most successful ministers of the last Labour government – has today sounded an alarm about growing youth unemployment.
After two wasted years in office, this administration would now be wise to listen to the people who made Britain better and secured re-election twice.
Read it here.
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For the best insider stories and behind-the-scenes gossip from Westminster, sign up for my weekly Commons Confidential newsletter, available exclusively to Independent Premium subscribers. |
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Tony Blair: Labour needs saving from itself – but so does Britain |
The intellectual wasteland of the Corbyn years means this Labour government is now in power without a coherent plan or vision with which to face the immense challenges of the 21st century – and that is why we need urgent change, says Tony Blair.
Here’s what you had to say:
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A very thoughtful and useful essay. The response should not be just to snipe at it, but to consider it carefully and respond imaginatively. Most of what he says is absolutely right
Paul
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Much of what TB is saying is both realistic and pragmatic.
I do wonder, however, how any party could get elected in 2029 by telling the truth. Stick with us: debt still massive, public services improving but still a long way to go, tax cuts impractical. Or Farage, Polanski and Badenoch promising tax cuts, cutting waste (went well in Kent, didn’t it?) and impractical nonsense like no tax on overtime or abolishing stamp duty (how would the £13.7 billion tax loss be recouped?) or the simplistic but uncosted “tax the wealthy”.
Just like Brexit, too many will be conned again.
Pragmatist
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Burnham or Brexit 2.0: Inside the leadership contest latest |
Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson discuss the two frontrunners for Westminster’s most coveted job, how Wes might have messed up his chances already, and whether Burnham can bring some of his Manchester magic down south.
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Burnham or Brexit 2.0: Inside the leadership contest latest |
Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson discuss the two frontrunners for Westminster’s most coveted job, how Wes might have messed up his chances already, and whether Burnham can bring some of his Manchester magic down south. |
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