Prime Minister’s Key Address at the King’s Trust Centre on 15 October 2026

I recently had the privilege of meeting with His Majesty King Charles, who entrusted me with a heartfelt message to convey. He expressed his profound appreciation for the incredible work being done at the King’s Trust in Ancoats, highlighting his pride in the young people benefitting from these initiatives.

The transformation that occurs here is nothing short of life-changing. Having been involved in the establishment of this centre, I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact it has on the lives of young individuals.

Supporting Young People in a Challenging World

Growing up in today’s society presents unique challenges, necessitating greater support to set our youth on a successful path. Collaborating with the King’s Trust and various partners, we must empower young people like you, Tom, to thrive.

I shared my own story with some of the young individuals present. In my early twenties, I faced significant obstacles while trying to establish my career. Repeated rejections were common, and the process of job hunting involved submitting numerous CVs. In our time, interviews were conducted face-to-face, a stark contrast to the current landscape where artificial intelligence often conducts these evaluations.

When I returned to the area from university in the early 1990s, I struggled to find work, a period that profoundly impacted me. I could relate to the young people I spoke with today, recalling how disheartening it was to feel as though I could not secure that vital first foothold in my career.

My initial opportunity came as an unpaid reporter for the Middleton Guardian; I never reached the heights of those who now stand with us in the media today. However, perseverance is key, and I firmly believe in the potential of our youth. They possess remarkable qualities and passions that must be nurtured, enabling them to realise their full potential.

Addressing Barriers to Growth and Opportunity

The current generation, particularly Gen Z and millennials, has much to contribute. Their positive outlook on the world is inspiring, and it is our responsibility to lead from the front and ensure that all government departments rally in support of our young people.

We must create a robust platform that facilitates their growth, enabling them to shape a bright future for our country. I believe that growing up has become increasingly difficult, especially considering the societal changes brought on by the rise of social media in the late 2000s.

During this pivotal period, many essential youth services were drastically reduced or eliminated entirely, with education support facing severe cuts. Consequently, young people have found it increasingly challenging to access timely mental health support, which should be readily available to them.

Moreover, the educational landscape has shifted dramatically, with an overwhelming emphasis on university pathways without providing alternative routes for young people. This approach has been detrimental, as we require a balanced educational system that encourages both academic and technical skills, allowing for flexibility in career paths.

Reforming Support Systems for Young People

Currently, approximately a million young people across the United Kingdom are neither in education, employment, nor training. It is essential to recognise that the responsibility for this situation does not lie with the youth themselves. During my tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester, I consistently advocated against targeting young people for budget cuts. Investing in our youth is paramount for fostering a stronger society in the future.

To this end, I initiated initiatives such as free bus travel for 16 to 18-year-olds, providing the necessary support to help them navigate their journeys. Moving forward, we must focus on making it easier for young people to grow up in this country, ensuring that we create an environment that nurtures their potential.

We eagerly await the forthcoming report from Alan Milburn, which promises to offer insights into how we can collectively enhance support for our youth. This approach requires a comprehensive shift in how society perceives and supports young individuals—a new social contract.

A New Social Contract for the Future

In my recent conference speech in Liverpool, I emphasised the need for a renewed commitment to our young people. We must establish guarantees of support, ensuring that help is readily accessible when needed while maintaining clear expectations for young people to engage with these opportunities.

It is vital to create a more supportive system beyond the current welfare model, which often leaves young people feeling overlooked and forgotten. We need to implement a framework that guarantees mental health support, alongside a revamped educational system that offers tailored pathways for every young person, whether academic or vocational.

Furthermore, we must enhance work experience opportunities, ensuring all young individuals can access quality placements, particularly in light of the reforms introduced with T levels. This approach should include expanding the availability of apprenticeships and other vocational opportunities.

Connecting Young People with Opportunities

Today marks the beginning of a commitment to establishing a reliable support system for young people, allowing them to know that help is readily available. However, it is equally important for young individuals to actively engage with these opportunities, meeting us halfway in this collaborative effort.

Investing in young people is crucial, yet we must also focus on reducing dependency on support systems. We cannot sustain both investment in support services and financial assistance for those not engaged in education or employment simultaneously. Achieving this balance is essential as we move forward.

Today, we are announcing a partnership with UK Hospitality, aiming to create 100,000 jobs and work placements in the hospitality sector. This initiative serves as an excellent entry point for many into their career paths, equipping them with invaluable skills.

We are also grateful for retailers like Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury’s stepping up to assist in this endeavour. The key lies in connecting these resources effectively, ensuring that every young person feels included, optimistic, and motivated to move forward in life.

Thank you for joining us today at the King’s Trust in Ancoats. I am optimistic that we can rise to this challenge together. The young people present, along with the youth of this nation, have so much to offer in shaping a brighter future.

It is our collective responsibility—myself, the Cabinet, the entire government, and our partners—to open the doors of opportunity for them. Together, we will achieve this goal.