Political Opinion: Charting a course for renewal- Labour's investment in our future

Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool last week was an important opportunity for me to join other MPs, activists and trade unions to reflect on our government’s achievements so far, and to hear the Prime Minister set out the choices we currently face – decency or division, renewal or decline.

After fourteen years of underinvestment in infrastructure, public services and British industry by the previous government, we’ve been left with a stagnating economy that is not fit for the future or built for working people. Now is the time to change that and choose renewal for the common good, towards a fairer and more prosperous Britain built for all.

Labour is building a renewed economy for a renewed Britain, and that begins with breaking down barriers to opportunity to ensure the very best for our young people, regardless of their background. The government is delivering this by introducing the Youth Guarantee, ensuring all young people get the chance to earn or learn. This will be supported by new Youth Hubs in communities across the country and bolstered by the introduction of targeted, means-tested maintenance grants to open up access to university to those from more disadvantaged backgrounds.

The government boldly set out its vision for two thirds of young people to enter university, further education, or a gold standard apprenticeship, widening choice and giving technical training the respect it deserves.

Investing in our young people goes hand in hand with investing in the country they will inherit, and that’s why the Labour government has pledged to restore the dream of homeownership by sweeping aside blockers. We will get homes built and ensure we have first-class local facilities and transport links alongside them.

As well as building new towns to provide the affordable housing our country needs, Labour is empowering local communities to revive their towns after years of decline. Luton is no exception, and I’m delighted to have secured £1.5 million for Luton from the government to invest in facilities and projects our local community want and need.

Labour is investing in Britain’s future by stabilising our economy, revitalising our public services, investing in the infrastructure we need, and creating the opportunities we all want to see for the next generation. This is the path of renewal towards a fairer country that’s built on respect, one that’s rediscovered its pride and is taking control of its future.