'Put them in the driving seat' New youth strategy will end decades of neglect, says Nandy

Young people have faced “violent indifference” from the political establishment for decades, leaving them struggling to navigate a changing world, the culture secretary said as she unveiled the first national youth strategy in 15 years.

- Pippa Crerar

In an interview with the Guardian, Lisa Nandy warned that young people today were the most digitally connected but also the most isolated generation in history, adding that more could be done to police online spaces under new laws.

She said too many of them did not believe politics could be a force for good and so were turning away from mainstream parties, including Labour. The youth strategy could “put them back in the driving seat of their own lives”, Nandy added.

The “Youth Matters” plan, which is being backed by £500m in new funding, aims to give 500,000 more young people access to a trusted adult outside their home, boost resilience and teach skills including how to stay safe online.

There will also be up to 250 new or refurbished youth clubs over the next four years, 50 hubs providing access to professional support - including in Birmingham, Nottingham and County Durham - and new support for youth workers.