Sadiq Khan was announced the winner of the election for London Mayor on Saturday, securing 43.8% of the popular vote. He will now serve for a third term, for four years, until 2028. Speaking at his Declaration of Office today, Sadiq said:
“Today’s young Londoners are our connection to a time our generation won’t see, it falls to us to give them a better city, a better world. All this work to support nourish, sustain the ambitions of our young people is about creating the environment and conditions for Londoners to grow, flourish and thrive.”
His manifesto released a few weeks ago gives us an idea of how he aims to deliver for young Londoners, which we have summarised below:
Funding for 250,000 opportunities for young Londoners – for mentoring and youth workers
“I commit to investing in more youth clubs and providing investment to fund 250,000 more positive opportunities for young Londoners. This will include access to quality mentoring, alongside investment in more youth workers with a particular focus on schools, pupil referral units, custody centres and major A&Es.”
Holiday Hope policy – youth services, activities, and meals during school holidays
“…investing in a new Holiday Hope policy which will provide youth services and activities during the school holidays. We will also work with partners to provide free access to sports facilities for children outside of term time.”
“I also commit to continuing my holiday hunger scheme to provide more than 10 million meals to young Londoners during the school holidays.”
Erasmus style scheme – opportunities for young people to study and work abroad
“One of the many casualties of Brexit has been the scrapping of the UK’s involvement in the Erasmus scheme...I will work with international partners in the C40 cities network and businesses to explore the creation of a similar scheme, which would allow young people to study and undertake work experience overseas.”
Mental health initiatives – mental health first aid training, and initiatives
“This includes ensuring that trusted adults are equipped to help by providing mental health first aid training for mentors in London and piloting new mental health initiatives focused in and around secondary schools.”
150,000 good jobs by 2028 – targeted at young Londoners from low income households
“I will set a target of creating more than 150,000 good jobs by 2028. I’ll ensure that young Londoners, especially those from lower income households, are given the opportunities to secure these high-quality, well-paid jobs that will enable them to get on.”
Creative job pathways – for low-income and Black minority ethnic backgrounds youth
“I will ensure there is a strong focus on creating pathways into creative jobs for young Londoners from low-income and Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, to ensure our culture and creative output is shaped by all”
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