It has been a busy few weeks since my last column, but the highlight has been the announcement that Aldershot and Farnborough will host National Armed Forces Day 2026.

Working with Rushmoor Borough Council, we secured this national event, a fitting honour for the Home of the British Army and the birthplace of British aviation. It will be a fantastic opportunity to get together to celebrate our towns and to boost the reputation of this area on the national stage. 

 To mark the news, Talavera Junior School enjoyed a visit they will never forget. An Army Wildcat helicopter landed on their field, the British Army Engagement Ensemble performed, and children explored the aircraft and spoke with the crew. Their excitement was a reminder that Armed Forces Day is not only about honouring service. It is also a chance to inspire the next generation. That is why I want to focus on the work the Government is doing to secure the future of young people in Aldershot and Farnborough. 

 For the last decade, under the last government, increasing numbers of young people have been struggling to access education, training or the chance to get started in work. That is why the Government expanded its Youth Guarantee last week, backed by £820 millions of investment. This will create 350,000 new training and workplace opportunities, giving young people who want to work in areas such as construction or health care the experience and confidence they need. It will also expand Youth Hubs nationwide and offer support to almost 900,000 young people, ensuring those who feel unsure or overwhelmed have a clear place to turn. 

 Here in Aldershot and Farnborough this support will make a real difference. Many young people finish college with enthusiasm but uncertainty about what comes next, while others juggle part time work or caring responsibilities. The Youth Guarantee will offer pathways into meaningful jobs across the sectors that keep our local economy thriving.  

But opportunity is not only about employment. It is also about belonging, confidence and support. That is the purpose of the Government’s new National Youth Strategy, the first in fifteen years. Developed after listening to more than 14,000 young people, it sets out a mission to ensure every young person has someone who cares, somewhere to go and something to do. 

 The strategy invests in up to 250 new or refurbished youth centres and creates 50 Young Futures Hubs, bringing youth workers, mental health support and practical advice together under one roof. Having mental health support teams in schools will mean pupils can access help sooner, while strengthened neighbourhood policing and safer transport will give young people greater confidence as they move around our area. 

 For a constituency like ours, with proud military families, diverse communities and ambitious young people, this investment could not be more important. Our towns have always been places where service, aspiration and community run deep. By investing in our young people, we strengthen the foundations of a brighter future for Aldershot and Farnborough. 

 This is our home, and I will always champion the opportunities, support and sense of belonging that every young person in our community deserves.