Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Young People 2026-07-15

Wednesday 15 July 2026 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The youth guarantee ensures every young person can access support for employment or education.
  • The youth jobs grant provides a 3,000 incentive for employers recruiting eligible young people aged 18-24 who have been on universal credit for six months.
  • The government has committed more than 1.5 billion to support nearly 1 million young people and create up to 50,000 opportunities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Graeme Downie Lab
Education Employment Scotland Benefits & Welfare
Context

Young people in Scotland face challenges such as out-of-work or education. The youth guarantee aims to support these individuals.

Question

What discussions has the government had with the Scottish Government on supporting young people? The youth guarantee is a commitment to ensure every young person can access support for employment or education. Last month, the youth jobs grant was launched to provide £3,000 incentives for employers recruiting eligible young people aged 18-24 who have been on universal credit for six months.

Answer from Kirsty McNeill

The youth guarantee is a commitment to ensure every young person can access support for employment or education. Last month, we launched the youth jobs grant, which provides a £3,000 incentive for employers recruiting eligible young people aged 18-24 who have been on universal credit for six months.

Answered
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Q2 Graeme Downie Lab
Scotland Community Security
Context

Physical assaults and antisocial behaviour have occurred at Dunfermline bus station, affecting innocent citizens. The local Member of the Scottish Parliament has not addressed this issue.

Question

Young people make a positive contribution to our communities but antisocial behavior has been reported in Dunfermline. Innocent citizens are being hurt and afraid to use the bus station at night. Does the Minister agree that these actions do not represent Scotland's young people? Will she force the SNP Scottish Government to protect local people and support positive choices by young people?

Answer from Kirsty McNeill

There is no excuse for senseless violence and antisocial behaviour. The vast majority of young people want to improve their lives and contribute positively. This Government has committed more than £1.5 billion to support nearly 1 million young people and create up to 50,000 opportunities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the specific request to force the SNP Scottish Government to take action against antisocial behavior in Dunfermline.

How: Under Review

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Q3 Dave Doogan SNP
Context

The Secretary of State often mentions his friends, including the Prime Minister-elect. The questioner asks about the relationship and future leadership changes in Scotland.

Question

Is the Prime Minister-elect considered a good friend by the Secretary of State? Will it be awkward when another young Scot takes over as Secretary of State?

Answer from Kirsty McNeill

It is no surprise that an SNP representative does not want to discuss their record on youth worklessness. Shamefully, youth unemployment in Scotland is higher than elsewhere in the UK due to lack of investment by the SNP.

Not addressed: The question about friendship and leadership changes was completely avoided.

How: Changed Subject

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Q4 Dave Doogan SNP
Scotland
Context

The questioner notes that young people were unable to vote in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum and asks about future constitutional decisions involving them.

Question

What message does she have for the 800,000 young Scots who could not vote in the 2014 referendum regarding her party's stance on their say in Scotland's constitutional future?

Answer from Kirsty McNeill

The people of Scotland were given a choice on our constitutional future, and we chose to remain part of a stronger United Kingdom.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific ask about ensuring young people's say in future decisions.

How: Broad Statement

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