Election debate: Youth work cuts 'make UK more vulnerable to terrorism'

On the BBC Election Debate 2017, during a discussion about security in the wake of last month's terror attack in Manchester that left 22 people dead, Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said the UK is "less safe" as a result of there being fewer youth workers engaging young people.

"In terms of the cuts to public services - that's had an impact [on safety]," Wood said.

"One small example [is] youth work. When you had a well-funded youth service there were youth workers available to challenge the ideology of young people.

"I'm saying austerity has cut youth workers and there are fewer people around to challenge the root cause - the ideology that spurs these people on."

Funding for youth services has dropped by around £700m since 2010. Government data shows that local authorities spent £1.2bn on youth services in 2010/11 but by 2015/16, this had fallen to £500m.

Wood added: "If we are interested in tackling the root cause of this problem we have to understand what it is, we have to understand the ideological drivers and they have to be challenged by people qualified to be able to do that.

"By cutting youth workers and other public services you are reducing your ability to do that, and that is one of the reasons we are less safe."

Wood also called for the government's Prevent strategy, which was introduced after the 2005 London bombings in order to identify those at risk of radicalisation, to be reviewed.

Anna Smee, chief executive of UK Youth, said: "There's no question that cuts to youth services have had a dramatic impact on young people and communities across the country.

"Every day we see and hear the incredible benefits of local youth services to help young people access support, advice and training, develop vital life skills and engage with education, training and employment.

"Whichever party is elected on 8 June, we strongly urge them to put access to appropriate, high quality services for all young people in every community at the heart of their policies."

Kathryn Morley, chief executive of OnSide Youth Zones, said it is difficult to make a direct link between funding constraints in the sector and the safety of the country.

"However, there is no doubt that youth work plays an important role in ensuring people from all backgrounds are engaged with their wider communities and society," she said.

"Investing in young people ensures they feel valued and have access to the support and positive role models that make such a difference at a crucial juncture in their lives."  

A total of 22 people were killed and a further 119 injured following an explosion at the 21,000 capacity Manchester Arena on 21 May during an Ariana Grande concert.

In the days after the incident it was reported that authorities were previously warned by a youth worker of concerns about the suspected suicide bomber responsible.

Labour's general election manifesto contains a pledge to protect youth services from further funding cuts.

The Liberal Democrats have said they would scrap the Prevent strategy, replacing it with community engagement programmes.