DAVID Cameron’s recent announcement on youth unemployment – that unemployed 18-21 year olds will be forced to work 30 hours a week for £1.91 an hour, or face losing state support – is little more than a cynical attack which ignores the fact that young people have been amongst the hardest hit since the financial crash.

Introducing the plans, he said “We want to get rid of that well-worn path from the school gate, down to the job centre”. The fact that Cameron has never even come close to witnessing this path is besides the point (but too tempting not to mention).

His speech betrays an incredibly cynical view on young people today; that they lack in work ethic and drive.There is no more something for nothing (says the man who inherited millions for nothing). They must give back to their community too.

Mr Cameron would do well to visit Torfaen’s Play Service, where each year over 150 dedicated young volunteers give up their free time to provide play opportunities for children across Torfaen. Instead of demonising hard-pressed young people, Cameron should recognise the difficult economic climate and follow Labour’s lead by promising a jobs guarantee for young people.

D Daniels, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran