MP backs Government boost to Cadets in Bathgate and Linlithgow as Labour launches new '30 by 30' Cadets campaign
Kirsteen Sullivan MP has backed a major expansion of the cadets in Bathgate and Linlithgow as the Labour Government launches a new cadets campaign 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 by 30% by 2030.
Delivering on the Strategic Defence Review, this would see over 50,000 more cadets across the UK, supporting the Labour Government’s Plan for Change by breaking down barriers which are holding back Britain’s young people.
In a sign of how cadet forces can offer valuable STEM skills for young people, the RAF cadets will become the first youth organisation in Britain certified to train drone pilots, after receiving approval from the Civil Aviation Authority to deliver the industry-recognised ‘blue’ drone flying qualification.
The Labour Government has also launched the hunt to appoint a new National Cadet Champion to support and endorse the Cadet Forces and highlight the huge opportunities cadets can offer to young people from all backgrounds
Kirsteen Sullivan MP said: “In my constituency of Bathgate and Linlithgow we have Air Cadets and Army Cadets, offering opportunities for young people. That’s why I welcome this Labour UK Government’s £70m investment to deliver the “30 by 30” campaign – boosting cadet numbers by over 40,000 by 2030.”
Labour’s Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns MP, said: “Every young person deserves the chance to discover their potential, regardless of their postcode or family income.
“The cadet experience doesn’t just build character – it transforms futures, helping young people build confidence, develop skills and meet new people.
“Our Labour government is kickstarting a new era for the cadets through this major expansion, backed by £70 million of extra funding.”
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 qualifications 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.
New joint Army and Air Cadet Centres will be built – adding to the five already opened and 12 under construction, since the Government came into power to support growth of school-based cadet units
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.