Posts by Peter Babudu
A better future for our country’s children
The Tory government’s total disregard for young people is starkly symbolised by its neglect of the education system: since 2010 we’ve seen record teacher shortages, record levels of exclusions, and repeated inadequate funding settlements even as triple-locked pensions soar. It is time to put the future of the country back at the heart of government…
Read MoreFive policies that show why Labour will be our next government
Last month’s Labour Party conference welcomed innovative ideas and progressive policies from a party that is ready for leadership. Yet this was since overshadowed by a calamitous new administration at No. 10 wreaking economic chaos. I revisit the Labour Party Conference to see what we can expect from a Labour government Does September feel like…
Read MoreNothing about us, without us
Last week I chaired an event in Parliament with Ed Miliband MP, former leader of the Labour Party, and Cat Smith MP, Shadow Cabinet Minister for Voter Engagement and Youth Affairs. Our focus was on how we can make politics more representative. Diversity on the rise It was a timely discussion. The 2017 General Election…
Read MoreSupporting social business
As a Deputy Cabinet Member for Innovation I led on the creation of the Southwark Pioneers Fund, a £2m innovation fund for local and social businesses in Southwark. I worked with community organisations, businesses and support organisations from across the borough to understand the challenges that local and social businesses were facing when trying to…
Read MoreEnding school exclusions
I led a review into exclusions in Southwark, which had doubled in the four years leading up to my review. I worked with schools across the borough and the Council to come up with an approach to improving the quality of alternative provision and laying the groundwork for a 100% inclusion approach across the borough…
Read MoreCommunity Wealth
I led a review into procurement practices in Southwark and the Council’s approach to maximising social value. My review identified best practice nationally, from Preston and beyond, showing how the Council can work with key anchor institutions and changing its own procurement rules to keep more money local and directed towards local social businesses and…
Read MoreThe hidden cost of school exclusions
The cost to society of child exclusions can be a hidden one. Rates of permanent exclusions from schools in the London Borough of Southwark have doubled in less than a decade, mirroring a worrying national trend. Why is society ultimately failing so many children and how do we turn the page? Should eating a biscuit…
Read MoreHow to save our high streets
Covid-19 is the latest threat to the continued life of our high streets. This is happening at a time when people are staying nearer to home due to the impact of Covid and need our high streets to better support healthy, meaningful, living. I led a review into the support our high streets need, developing…
Read MoreYoung people, mental health and Covid
Covid has been incredibly hard on young people. They are seemingly less vulnerable to the virus but totally exposed to the measures used to contain it. I led a review into the effects of Covid-19 and the national measures taken to contain the spread of the virus. I heard directly from children about their hopes…
Read MoreYouth-led change
I am proud to share that I chair the Blagrave Trust where we collaborate with partners to bring lasting change to the lives of young people investing in them as powerful forces for change and acting upon their right to be heard in pursuit of a fair and just society. Given the space, young people…
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