John Healey MP is backing a major expansion of the cadets across Yorkshire as the Government launches a new cadets campaign backed with £70 million new funding.

The new ‘30 by 30’ campaign 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 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 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.

Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP and Defence Secretary, John Healey, said:

“All young people locally deserve the opportunity to discover their potential, and we’ll expand opportunities for young people to experience more of what the Armed Forces have to offer, by delivering a 30 per cent increase in the Cadet Forces by 2030.

“Breaking down barriers to opportunity is a core Government mission – the Cadets helps to prepare young people for the opportunities and challenges of adult life as well as building their confidence, developing new skills and meeting new people.

“As a Government we’re kickstarting a new era for the cadets through this major expansion which is being backed by an additional £70 million 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 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.

The investment will also supercharge further opportunities in developing STEM skills and cutting-edge cyber skills training and hands-on experience with the latest drone and submersible technology – the same innovations reshaping Britain’s defence and economic landscape.

Independent research proves the cadet experience works. Participants show dramatically improved school attendance, better behaviour, and significantly higher rates of progression to university or employment.

For young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the impact is even more pronounced – providing structure, challenge and achievement that changes life trajectories permanently.