The Labour Government’s new ‘30 by 30’ campaign will boost opportunities for local young people through a major expansion of the Cadet Forces.

24 August 2025

Luke Myer MP has welcomed a £70 million Government investment to expand cadet opportunities for young people in Teesside as part of Labour’s new ‘30 by 30’ campaign.

The campaign will see cadet numbers increase by 30 per cent by 2030, rising from 140,000 to 182,000 across the UK, with the potential to grow even further. It delivers on the Strategic Defence Review and is part of Labour’s Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity for every young person.

Cadets already play a vital role across schools and communities, with over 500 schools hosting cadet units, many in disadvantaged areas. Research shows participation improves school attendance, behaviour and attainment, while offering qualifications in areas such as STEM and drone piloting that open up new career paths.

Luke Myer MP said:
“Cadets make an enormous difference for young people across Teesside, helping them build confidence, learn new skills and open doors to opportunities that might otherwise be closed.

“This investment will mean more young people locally can benefit from what cadets have to offer, while also strengthening the links between our community and our armed forces.

“I am proud to back Labour’s ‘30 by 30’ campaign which will give thousands more young people the chance to discover their potential.”

The Labour Government has also launched the hunt for a new National Cadet Champion to support the expansion and highlight the opportunities cadets can bring to young people from all backgrounds.

References

• The ‘30 by 30’ campaign was launched on 20 August 2025 by Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns MP, at the RAF Air Cadets’ National Air & Space Camp.
• The campaign will increase cadet forces from 140,000 to 182,000 by 2030, with potential to grow further to 250,000.
• To support the campaign, the Labour Government will deliver:
  • New joint Army and Air Cadet Centres.
  • Streamlined recruitment of adult volunteers, including a fast-track for veterans.
  • A new National Cadet Champion.
  • Enhanced STEM opportunities, including Civil Aviation Authority-endorsed drone pilot qualifications for RAF Cadets.
  • Greater support from regular and reservist military personnel.
• Locally, opportunities for young people are already provided by:
  • 1869 (Middlesbrough) Squadron RAF Air Cadets based in Coulby Newham.
  • 2394 (East Cleveland) Squadron RAF Air Cadets based at Redcar & Cleveland College.
  • Cleveland Army Cadet Force (ACF) detachments including St Peter’s School, Brambles Farm, Burlam Road, Coulby Newham and Trinity in Middlesbrough.
  • A Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contingent at Saint Peter’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in South Bank.
• The ‘30 by 30’ campaign aims to enhance and expand these existing opportunities, ensuring more young people in Middlesbrough and East Cleveland can benefit.