The party aims to deliver a library in every English primary school as part of plans to ensure children are given the best start in life.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is due to speak at Labour’s Annual Conference today at noon, which is when the plans are expected to be confirmed.
According to the National Literacy Trust, one in seven primary schools across the UK does not have a library. In some of the most deprived communities, the figure rises to one in four. Against this backdrop, Rachel Reeves is set on ensuring every primary school in England has access to a library before the next general election.
The scheme will be funded through £132.5m in dormant assets – unclaimed financial assets that will be redirected to ensure young people are able to reach educational opportunities.
Multiple children’s authors, including the Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler, have welcomed the news. Speaking to The Guardian, Scheffler said: ‘A school library is more than just a room full of books. it’s a place where imaginations grow, confidence builds, and a lifelong love of reading takes root.’
Alongside the plans to deliver more libraries, Reeves is also expected to reveal a new plan to combat long-term youth unemployment. Individuals who have been without work or education and have relied on universal credit for 18 months will be guaranteed an offer of paid work.
As such, the pledge is due to be backed by sanctions for claimants who refuse offers without good reason – a policy that compares to George Osborne’s 2013 ‘workfare’ programme.
Reeves will say: ‘I believe in a Britain founded on contribution, where we do our duty for each other, and where hard work is matched by fair reward. I believe in a Britain based on opportunity, where ordinary kids can flourish, unhindered by their background.’
The latest government statistics show from April – June 2025, the UK unemployment rate for people aged between 16 to 24 was 13.8%, which equates to 621,000 people.
The renewed focus on opportunity and responsibility comes as Labour looks to sharpen its message ahead of the next general election. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said this weekend that he hoped the conference would leave voters in no doubt about what Labour stands for.
Photo by Nick Fewings via UnSplash
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