Millions of unemployed individuals are dragging down the economy, says Labour's Peter Kyle

A top ally of Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has spoken out about the "horrible, painful toll" that jobless Brits are taking on the economy. Shadow Cabinet Minister Peter Kyle expressed concern over the 2.5 million people who are not accounted for in the economy, as well as the 700,000 young people who are neither in education, training, nor work. According to Kyle, these numbers are not only personal tragedies but also major obstacles to economic growth.

Urgent Action Needed to Address the Crisis

Kyle's remarks came during the first day of the Labour Party conference, where he called for immediate action to address the joblessness crisis. He advocated for placing unemployed individuals in technology and green energy jobs, emphasizing that these are not distant or undesirable positions. Kyle, who is a rising star in Labour's Shadow Cabinet, also outlined plans to cut through bureaucratic red tape that is stifling the tech sector.

Labour Pledges to Cut Unnecessary Bureaucracy in Funding Approvals

In an effort to expedite funding for scientific research and development, Labour plans to eliminate unnecessary layers of checks that often result in lengthy delays for funding approval. Kyle criticized the current system, stating that it can take up to 18 months for scientists to receive funding answers, causing Britain to fall behind rival countries like China. He called for streamlined processes and the implementation of 10-year Research and Development budgets rather than short-term funding schemes.

Brexit Offers Opportunity for UK Science and Tech Sector

When asked about the impact of Brexit on Britain's science and tech industry, Kyle expressed optimism, saying that it could make the country more agile. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a close relationship with Europe and aligning with EU standards for key export markets. Kyle believes that the UK should strive to exceed these standards wherever possible in order to stay competitive.

Overall, Kyle's remarks shed light on the urgent need to address the joblessness crisis in the UK and take steps to revitalize the economy through technology and green energy jobs.