For all the attention rightly given to incentivising young people to join the workforce, there has been far less focus on making it easier to employ young people. Well done done to @KemiBadenoch and the @Conservatives for recognising this 👏 Halving Employers' National Insurance would be a welcome step to bring down the cost of employing young people. The NEETs crisis it too important an issue to be treated as a political football, so I hope @JohnHealey_MP acts on this sensible proposal in the Budget on 28th October. The policy of cutting Employers’ NICs reflects similar proposals from @TheJobsFndn and @goodgrowthfdn. And @WesStreeting called for a "targeted reduction in employers’ National Insurance" in May. Let’s make this happen! Do sign up to our NEET Zero campaign. Link below 👇

Doors are opening soon for the @TheJobsFndn debate debate on the Wealth Tax with @AaronBastani and Dr @realartlaffer, alongside @Spectator. The event is completely sold out, so for those that didn't manage to get a ticket, you can stream the debate. Link in the next thread👇

On Wednesday, I spoke in the Lords on the Autism Act 2009 Committee report. In it I highlighted that just 30% of autistic adults are in employment, compared with around 75% of the wider working-age population. That's a 45% gap. I also highlighted the work being done by companies like @greeneking and EdCortex, showing that, with the right support, autistic people can thrive and bring enormous value to employers. An updated autism strategy must address that 45% gap.

Ten Years On, the topic of Brexit still attracts a packed Old Theatre at the @LSEnews. A wonderful panel including an old friend @anandMenon1 and a former lecturer of mine at the LSE, Tony Travers. Great to see so many students and A Level politics students there. Very fair and thoughtful questions

Did the King's Speech deliver for the million NEETS? Alan Milburn was right to say "we're at risk of a lost generation" of young people not in employment, education or training. And Starmer was right to call his interim findings "sobering." But it's time for legislative action to help. You can read my article on how the Government can act to help our NEETS in @ConHome today. conservativehome.com/2026/06…

📢 Book announcement! 📢 Since Christmas I’ve been busy working on my latest book: 'Ten Years On' - timed to coincide with the 10th Anniversary of the EU referendum. We've just finished the final proof, and it has now been sent to the printers. The book is a reflection on the buildup to 2016, but it is also hugely topical with the question of Britain rejoining the EU exploding into the Labour leadership contest and dominating the Makerfield by-election. It is written for a wide audience who are interested in campaigning, referendums and political history. I go into the key moment of setting up the TaxPayers' Alliance and Big Brother Watch, as well as the inside story of NOtoAV, Business for Britain, and then Vote Leave. I’m grateful for the kind endorsements it has received, especially from @ShippersUnbound - the preeminent chronicler of the referendum and its aftermath - who described it as “the key missing piece in the Brexit story.” @ChrisMasonBBC has said that it’s "Highly recommended”, and @GeorgeWParker describes it as "a unique insider’s view into a historic turning point for Britain." Do please pre-order your copy on Amazon, or from the @BitebackPub website!

It’s tempting to think the economic problems in the UK are the same as those in the US. But Britain is far poorer. Mississippi, the poorest US state, has a higher GDP per capita ($54,000) than the UK ($52,000). We have all the fundamentals - superb entrepreneurs, world-leading universities and ambitious workers - but we don't pursue policies which turn this into national prosperity. Brexit was - and is - a turning point. It gave us freedom to make this happen. It's time to go for growth. You can read my article about all this in the @realDailyWire here 👇 dailywire.com/news/britain-c…