DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE QUESTIONS Youth unemployment in the UK is reaching a crisis point, as 15% of young people in the UK are out of work, while this number reaches 25% in London. The average costs to businesses of employing someone have risen on average by 11% since July 2024. This has hit businesses which operate under fine margins, such as in the retail and hospitality sector, significantly. These sectors are often young people’s first step onto the employment ladder, and the...

POPPY FACTORY 100TH ANNIVERSARY The Poppy Factory, situated in Richmond Hill, celebrated its 100th anniversary with an afternoon tea and speeches, which I was honoured to attend. There were many thoughtful speeches about the Poppy Factory and its history, but the two most poignant speeches were made by two ex-servicemen who had been supported by the Poppy Factory in recent years. It was inspiring to hear about the brilliant work the organisation has been carrying out for over 100 years, and...

Parliament entered recess on Tuesday, and I am looking forward to a busy upcoming schedule for Liberal Democrat Conference. This, however, means that I will be halting my newsletter until Parliament returns from recess. My staff and I will continue to monitor and respond to emails as normal, so please do not hesitate to get in touch. BBC POLITICS LONDON This afternoon, I appeared on BBC Politics London alongside Labour MP, Rachel Blake, and Conservative MP Louie French. The Prime Minister is...