Preet Kaur Gill MP backs boost to cadets in Birmingham as Labour launches "30 by 30" cadets campaign

Preet Kaur Gill MP has today backed a major expansion of the cadets in Birmingham as the Labour Government launches a new cadets campaign backed with £70 million new funding.

Under a new ‘30 by 30’ campaign, launched this week, 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.

Preet Kaur Gill, Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Edgbaston, said:

“The impact of cadet opportunities here in Birmingham, and across the country, is undeniable. They gain confidence, teamwork and resilience - and they make friends for life.

“We should be proud of the cadet units already active in our community. This investment means more young people from more backgrounds will get the same chance. And with new skills in areas like drone tech and cyber, it’s also helping them prepare for the jobs of the future.

“I fully support this expansion. It’s about backing the ambitions of our young people, and building strong communities from the ground up.”

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.”

Under the expansion, young people will have the chance to gain more qualifications, improve their confidence, and learn about the military.

The initiative, which delivers on the Strategic Defence Review, will prioritise cadets’ expansion across all four nations, ensuring every young person has the chance to discover their potential regardless of postcode or family income.

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.