The article discusses a major report by former Labour minister Alan Milburn examining the worsening prospects facing young people in the UK.Milburn argues that Britain is experiencing a “moral crisis”, with more than one million young people currently classified as not in education, employment or training (Neets), a figure expected to rise further without significant intervention.

The report criticises decades of institutional neglect, particularly since 2010, highlighting cuts to youth services, poor coordination between public agencies, underfunded careers support and insufficient investment in early childhood development.Milburn argues that the problem is structural rather than the result of laziness or lack of ambition among young people.

He rejects claims that recent Labour employment policies or higher minimum wages caused the crisis, pointing instead to the long-term disappearance of entry-level jobs, declining apprenticeship opportunities and reduced employment in retail and hospitality sectors.

The article stresses that many young people are eager to work or study but face repeated rejection, automated recruitment systems and limited support.

The report also criticises the education system for focusing excessively on examinations instead of preparing pupils for employment and practical life skills.Further education colleges are described as underfunded and restricted, despite growing demand for skilled workers.Mental health services are also criticised for failing to measure successful outcomes such as helping young people return to work.Polly Toynbee argues that Milburn’s report could become a landmark document similar in importance to the Beveridge Report after the Second World War.

She concludes that the Labour government should focus on the systemic inequalities identified in the report rather than political distractions, including recent commentary from Tony Blair.