It’s lovely to see the Youth Ambassadors here, many of whom I met at the Festival of Childhood earlier this year.

It is such a privilege to be here with you all, in these beautiful surroundings at the Institution of Civil Engineers.

It’s come a long way since a group of young engineers met in a London coffee shop in 1818.

Testament to what a talented group of young people can achieve when they put their minds to it!

Rachel – let me start by thanking you and all your staff.

For this hugely valuable report, and for all you’re doing for the children of this country.

Building a society that puts children first is a defining challenge for us all.

And at the centre of our work as government, is one question:

What does it mean to grow up in Britain today?

And the answer tells us everythi

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