Young People (Summer Activities)

Answer: There will indeed be programmes for young people, focusing on sport, creativity and other activities organised during the summer holidays. They will be funded by Departments across Government and also by the lottery. My Department is working closely with the other Departments. There is evidence to show that, among other things, such programmes have an impact on reducing crime among young people. The issue of young people increasing their opportunities through sport was at the heart of the powerful message that we delivered in support of our Olympic bid in Singapore last week. It was a message that was delivered with the support of 30 young people from the east end of London of 20 different nationalities, each of them aspiring to be a gold medallist in London in 2012. It is a proud ambition and one that we want to support with everything that we can. I thank right hon. and hon. Members on both sides of the House for their support for our Olympic bid. The cross-party support on which our bid is founded was important in securing success.

Secondary information