This is exactly what Labour’s key policies are and how they affect young people

In case you haven’t noticed, the UK is in its series finale. Liz Truss’ mini budget was so damaging it literally caused the pound to fall to its lowest level since 1971. Plus the International Monetary Fund was forced to issue a statement urging the government to “re-evaluate” tax cuts for the richest one per cent. If that wasn’t enough, we are in a cost of living crisis, energy bills are through the roof and nothing seems to work.

 

The Tories are in crisis, with a recent YouGov poll placing them at 33 points behind Labour. This is the largest lead any party has had since the late 1990s. Meaning if these results were replicated in a general election, Labour would win 498 seats – a gain of 296.

Over the last few days Labour MPs set out new policies for what they will do if elected to govern. In a video, the deputy leader Angela Rayner said that Labour would “invest in young people” and if you vote Labour you’ll “have a greater future.” But, what does this really mean and where does the Labour party stand? Here’s a complete rundown of Labour’s five key policies and how they affect young people.

1. Great British Energy

Labour has announced that they will set up a new publicly owned energy company called Great British Energy. The party promises to invest in renewable energy such as solar and wind power. As a result, bills will be cut for young people because the country will be energy independent, so not affected by huge global price hikes. The party also announced that by 2030 the UK will achieve 100 per cent clean, green power. Young people have shown how passionate we are about the climate crisis and clean energy is a huge part of reducing greenhouse gases so this policy should be positive in that way.

 

2. A new target for 70 per cent to own their own home

Home ownership is a target for many young people, but over the last decade it has become almost impossible. The cost of a home in Britain is now more than seven times the average earnings and a lack of supply has pushed up prices. Young people are described as ‘Generation Rent’ which means we are forced to pay extortionate costs to landlords and not have housing security. Labour has said they will get 1.5 million people on the housing ladder in five years, with a focus on building council houses. This would benefit young people who can have more stability in their lives and can afford to live in areas close to jobs and friends.

 

3. 13,000 new police officers

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced a £360 million package which will pay for 13,000 new police officers and invest in community hubs and PCSOs to prevent crime. She said that currently “in 94 per cent of crimes now no one is charged.” Shadow Justice Secretary Steve Reed said that in government he would introduce a Victim’s Law and focus on how to break the cycle of crime by tackling the negative effects of childhood trauma. Putting more money into the police aims to reduce crime, which is positive for young people who are more likely to live in areas of cities with more violent crime.

 

4. Improving the NHS

If you have needed to get a GP appointment or tried to call an ambulance recently, you would see that the National Health Service is struggling. Labour has announced that they want to focus on recruitment, with seven and a half thousand new medical students every year, along with five thousand extra health visitors and 10000 extra nursing placements. Having more staff will reduce the burden on the young staff who work or want to work in hospitals and also mean that people can see doctors more quickly.

5. Renationalising the Railways

Any young person who has used the UK’s train network will understand how expensive, late and slow it is. In Liverpool, the Shadow Transport Minister Louise Haigh promised that the railways will be brought back under nationalisation. This should reduce the prices and improve the services, as less money will go to making money for shareholders. If more people use the rail network, fewer cars will be on the roads which will decrease pollution levels and be good for our health and the climate.

 

These policies from Keir Starmer show that Labour offers a change for the country. Still, young people will want to see where Labour stands on issues such as student loans and improving opportunities regardless of background, as these affect our lives and futures in the UK.

Featured image via ITV on Youtube .

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