More than 120 MPs back the call for student loan reform

Whilst there has been a change of administration, my priorities in Ilford South remain the same.

I have continued to urge the new Government to reform the student loans system, which has crippled graduates across Ilford South.

Last week, I coordinated a letter signed by more than 120 MPs to the chancellor, urging him to reform the student loans system.

Student loans have unfairly saddled an entire generation of young people, right at the start of their careers, with thousands of pounds of debt that they carry for most of their working lives.

This letter builds on my Parliamentary debate and campaign to ensure that the new administration recognises this issue for the crisis that it is.

MP Jas Athwal says that student loans have saddled young people with debt that they carry for most of their working lives (Image: Roger Harris)

I have also spent time with young people across the constituency through my Summer Scheme, where I invited 12 students from Ilford South to learn more about what it means to be an MP and to encourage them to explore careers in politics - whether in local government, the Greater London Authority, or national government.

They spent the week volunteering in the local community at Redbridge Foodbank and South Park, as well as touring City Hall, Redbridge Town Hall, and the Supreme Court.

One of the highlights was a surprise trip to 10 Downing Street, where they visited one of the most historic and iconic locations in British politics.

At the end of the programme, the students delivered brilliant maiden speeches in Westminster Hall, setting out their policy ideas for Ilford South.

Some students spoke about the lack of job opportunities available to young people, noting that even when they work hard and attend top universities, they can still struggle to find employment afterwards.

I recognise that this forms part of the wider crisis of young people who are not in education, employment, or training.

I welcome the prime minister, Andy Burnham’s commitment to supporting young people, so that across Ilford they can access the opportunities they want and need for their careers to flourish.

In the meantime, I will continue fighting for residents in Ilford South on the issues that matter most to them: unlocking young people’s potential, creating opportunities where I can in the local area, and working with the Government to reform the unfair student loans system.

• Jas Athwal is Labour MP for Ilford South.