Labour promises tough measures to keep kids off the streets
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced a £100m fund to tackle youth violence and knife crime. In a speech at the Labour Party's annual conference, Cooper pledged to open 92 youth hubs staffed with mental health support professionals and neighborhood police officers.
Focusing on vulnerable teens at risk of joining gangs
The youth hubs, part of Cooper's "young futures programme," will provide support to teenagers and families at a difficult time in their lives. They aim to protect vulnerable teenagers from getting involved in drug gangs and provide necessary interventions to prevent them from entering a life of crime or exploitation.
Recognizing the growing vulnerability of teenagers
Cooper highlighted that young people have been let down by the current government, which has failed to address the increasing vulnerability of teenagers. Factors contributing to this vulnerability include the rise of county lines gangs, harmful content on social media, and the impact of the pandemic.
A cross-Government 'tough love' initiative
Labour's proposal includes establishing a cross-Government initiative to address the needs of at-risk youth. This initiative will involve the creation of youth hubs and the development of local plans to identify and support those most at risk. The aim is to provide a coordinated approach across local authorities, mental health services, the police, and youth offending teams.
Collaboration with local councils and experts
The Young Futures Programme and the youth hubs will be developed in partnership with local council leaders and youth mental health experts. The primary focus of the program will be tackling knife crime, but it will extend to other areas such as education and career opportunities in the future.
