Dear John

A huge theme that emerged from our 100+ meetings with Labour members was the need for a radical plan to transform things for our young people. So - thanks to Young Labour members - we're launching today Our Manifesto for the Next Generation for discussion.

It comes as new research, which I've uncovered, shows that our region's youth services have been cut by TWICE as much as the national average. This is wrong, wrong, wrong. We're one of the youngest regions in Europe. We should be getting EXTRA help.

So here's some of the big ideas that we think can make a difference:

Founding Labour’s National Education Service in the West Midlands - with a UCAS system for apprenticeships and begin rebuilding Sure Start
New youth workers and safe spaces open to every young person in every neighbourhood with one stop funding pots for sports, culture, and social action
Campaigning to end university tuition fees
Phasing in free travel for 16-18 year olds over the mayoral term, to breakdown the ‘postcode world’
Reducing waiting times for children and young people to access mental health services and strengthen the rights of young people in the care of local mental health services (CAMHS), and like Greater Manchester, publishing survey data showing waiting times.
Doubling the pace of building genuinely affordable housing
Becoming a real Living Wage Region - that delivers just pay to young people
Training our young people to lead social action that brings people together - with a Commonwealth Young Leaders Programme in every ward
Radically expanding support for youth enterprise and using our Green New Deal to help halve youth unemployment
Giving power to Young People with a new budget for the Youth Assembly to shape the Metro-Mayor’s youth offer and campaigning for votes at 16

We'd really welcome your feedback on the manifesto which you can find in full here.

Have a wonderful bank holiday weekend and please help share our video!

Best wishes

Liam Byrne MP

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P.S. This campaign isn't about one individual, it's about members coming together, for the many, not the few. If you'd like to endorse our campaign for radical compassion, sign up here!