Too many young people in Britain – and here in Selly Oak – are being denied the opportunities they deserve.

Right now, almost one million young people are out of work, education or training. That’s nearly one in eight young people across the country. For many, this isn’t by choice – it’s because of a lack of opportunity, poor access to support, and rising mental health challenges.

That’s why the Labour government has launched an independent investigation to tackle what ministers have called a “crisis of opportunity.” The investigation, led by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, will look at why so many young people are falling out of work or education before their careers even begin – and how we can fix a system that has failed them for too long.

The legacy of neglect

After years of Conservative government, youth inactivity has soared. The number of young people not in education or employment has risen by over 250,000 since 2021, and there’s been a 76% increase in young people with mental health conditions who are economically inactive since 2019.

This is not just a national crisis – it’s a local one. Every young person in Selly Oak who can’t find a good job or training opportunity represents lost potential, both for themselves and for our community.

Labour’s plan to turn it around

We’re determined to change this story. The Labour government has already launched a Youth Guarantee – ensuring that every young person aged 18- 21 has the chance to earn or learn.

We’re backing this up with real investment:

• £25 million to double the number of Youth Hubs – giving young people access to employment, skills, and wellbeing support in trusted community spaces like football clubs and libraries.

• £90 million in Youth Trailblazers – testing new local approaches to keep young people engaged in education or training.

• Expanded Foundation Apprenticeships – creating new routes into secure, skilled jobs in vital industries.

This is about more than fixing statistics. It’s about giving young people the confidence, stability, and purpose that good work and education can bring.

A fair future for Selly Oak

In Selly Oak, I’ve spoken to young people who feel like they’re being left behind – struggling to find work, juggling insecure jobs, or dealing with mental health issues without proper support. They don’t lack talent or ambition; they lack opportunity.

That’s why this investigation matters. It’s about building a fairer system that gives every young person – wherever they live, whatever their background – a chance to succeed.

Because when young people thrive, our whole community thrives.