Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister has backed a major expansion of the cadets in West Cumbria as the Government launches a new cadets campaign backed with £70 million new funding.
Under a new ‘30 by 30’ campaign, Labour will expand cadet opportunities for a new generation of young people – boosting cadet forces in West Cumbria and across the country by 30% by 2030. Delivering on the Strategic Defence Review, this would see over 50,000 more cadets across the UK.
Under the expansion, young people will have the chance to gain more qualifications, improve their confidence, and learn about the military.
Josh visited Workington Detachment of the Army Cadets recently to see firsthand the work they do with local young people. He said:
“”It was inspiring to meet local cadets here in West Cumbria and see first-hand the confidence, skills and friendships that the cadet experience gives young people.
“This £70 million investment and the Government’s ambition to grow cadet numbers by 30% by 2030 will mean even more opportunities for young people across our community.
“Expanding the cadets will open doors, raise aspirations, and ensure that every young person in West Cumbria – no matter their background – has the chance to discover their potential and thrive.”
To support the ‘30 by 30’ campaign, the Labour Government will deliver a package of measures to boost cadet forces, including:
- New joint Army and Air Cadet Centres: adding to the five already opened and 12 under construction since this Government came into office.
- Increasing adult volunteers: streamlining the process for becoming an adult Cadet volunteer and a new fast-track opportunity for veterans to become volunteers.
- A National Cadet Champion: Hunt launched today for a new appointment to support and endorse the Cadet Forces.
- Boosting STEM skills: new opportunities to develop STEM skills and try new technologies through the cadets, including Civilian Aviation Authority approval for RAF cadets to deliver a CAA-endorsed qualification in drone piloting. This offers cadet and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers an industry recognised qualification.
- Improving regular and reservist support for Cadets: greater opportunities for our UK military personnel – both regulars and reserves – to support the Cadet Forces.
The investment will also supercharge further opportunities in developing STEM skills and cutting edge cyber skills training and hands-on experience with the latest drone and submersible technology – the same innovations reshaping Britain’s defence and economic landscape.
Independent research proves the cadet experience works. Participants show dramatically improved school attendance, better behaviour, and significantly higher rates of progression to university or employment.
For young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the impact is even more pronounced – providing structure, challenge and achievement that changes life trajectories permanently.
Josh MacAlister MP 