Alan Milburn

People, these kids want, they want what?

We all want an opportunity to get on in the world, fulfill your aspirations.

I don't believe fundamentally that has changed, okay?

That's the first thing.

The second reason for optimism is, as I say, in society, this is a visceral issue.

I mean, just everywhere.

And people not only want to talk about it, they want to do something about it.

So when I was in Newcastle, talking to the leader of the council and the chief executive there and saying, listen, you know, in the area I grew up, Benwell, I don't know what the rate is, but it might be one in four kids who are NEET.

This is absolutely appalling.

It's becoming normal.

What are you going to do about it?

They've set up a NEET reduction task force.

They've got the local employers together.

They've got the schools.

They've got the college and the universities together.

And they're going to reduce the NEET rate in that city.

They're just going to do it, right?

Which is great.

Second reason for it.

But here's the third, to come to your point.