The number of ‘neets’ is skyrocketing in Britain, another Tory failure. Labour’s plans for apprenticeships and training funds will turn this around

• Pat McFadden is secretary of state for work and pensions

Neglect is a political choice, and one with deep human consequences.

That is what has struck me in the early months as secretary of state for work and pensions. Graph after graph, slide after slide, all pointing upwards, on young people out of work, on mental health issues among the population, and on the decision by default as much as design that the response should be benefits rather than changing lives.

Pat McFadden is secretary of state for work and pensions