The Government must take action to tackle the plight of our young people, says GM Mayor

Tony Lloyd, Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner and Greater Manchester interim mayor

Tony Lloyd, Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner, has welcomed a major report into the state of equality in Britain and warns that action must be taken to prevent our young people becoming the lost generation.

The report, published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, found that young people suffered the biggest drop in income and employment over the last five years, compared to older generations.

Recognising areas of progress, for example tackling modern slavery, forced marriage and female genital mutilation, the report also highlights an increase in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic hate crime, and complex issues such as child sexual exploitation.

Mr Lloyd said: “This is a wide-ranging report that gives a comprehensive picture of life in Britain. It’s welcoming that the report highlights the progress we have made across the UK in tackling issues such as modern slavery and female genital mutilation but it should also be a wake-up call to us all.

“Greater Manchester has made great progress in tackling child sexual exploitation and domestic violence for example, bringing police and other agencies together to share information and pool resources to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. Police are also working with local people to encourage hate crime reporting and improve support for victims. But this journey is not over and we need the support of Government to build on this work, whether that’s through legislation or ensuring policing and other public services are properly funded.

“That our young people are faced with the worst prospects in generations is deeply worrying. They are our future and the Government must to take action to make sure young people have the opportunities to access decent jobs, decent homes and reach their full potential.

“Here in Greater Manchester we are committed to investing in our residents to become healthier, better skilled, better paid and more independent – and that means investing in our young people. Ministers also need to step up to the plate and tackle the plight of the younger generation.”