PRESS RELEASE – SOJAN JOSEPH BACKS GOVERNMENT BOOST TO CADETS IN ASHFORD, HAWKINGE, AND THE VILLAGES AS LABOUR LAUNCHES NEW ’30 BY 30’ CADETS CAMPAIGN

Sojan Joseph has today backed a major expansion of the cadets in [area] as the Labour Government launches a new cadets campaign backed with £70 million new funding.  

Under a new ‘30 by 30’ campaign, launched today, 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. 

 
Mr Joseph raised the benefits of joining a cadet force on 19^th May 2025, asking the Minister: 

“Joining a cadet force offers young people a fantastic opportunity to develop key skills, including enhanced communication skills, and to improve their self-confidence and physical and mental wellbeing. What steps are the Government taking to support the cadets, and to encourage more young people to join and obtain life-changing skills?” 

Luke Pollard, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces responded: 

“I agree with my hon. Friend: joining the cadets is a great opportunity for any young person, and provides a lifetime’s-worth of skills. The Government are looking to make further announcements in support of our cadets, because the work that they do nationwide is exceptional, and the cadets are a superb platform for young people to build a career on.” 

Sojan Joseph MP said: 

“The cadets provide a fantastic opportunity for many young people – as I know from personal experience with my own family members – gives them the chance to learn invaluable life lessons and real-world skills, whilst improving their mental health and wellbeing. 

I have recently joined the Parliamentary Armed Forces Scheme and look forward to experiencing the similar opportunities and insights  

I am very pleased the Labour Government have clearly recognised the huge benefits the cadet forces can provide our young people and backed them with £70 million of new funding.” 

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. 

ENDS