Prime Minister Boris Johnson was quizzed today on what he and his government are doing to help youngsters through the pandemic and after it.

He was asked the question by a member of the public, Arjun, at a Downing Street coronavirus briefing held this afternoon.

When Mr Johnson or a colleague hosts the briefing, they are quizzed by the media but there is also an opportunity for members of the public to ask a question as well.

Today, Arjun, who is from Watford, was selected to ask a question directly to the Prime Minister in front of the nation.

Arjun said: "Young people have been hit very hard as a result of the pandemic. However the government has seemed to put us at the bottom of the priority list.

"What is the government doing to ensure that young people will be catered for in terms of support for now and the after effects of when the pandemic is over?"

Watford Observer:

Mr Johnson thanked Arjun for his question and immediately reminded everyone watching the "importance" of pupils who returned to school.

He said: "That makes a massive difference and I think that will be something that is going to be really really welcome to families up and down the country."

But the Prime Minister seemed acutely aware there is another bracket of youngsters - students - who may be struggling to cope with the consequences of the pandemic.

Mr Johnson continued: "But for those young people who are thinking about jobs, thinking about their futures, clearly we want to give you the maximum possible help and that’s why we have the kickstarts funds – two billion pounds - to help young people, specifically the 18-24-year-old group, Arjun, into work and to make sure we support businesses now with special packages to enable them to take on young people.

"This is going to continue to be a tough time for the country but I'm confident that we will be able to get through it very well and start to have a real jobs led recovery but for now we’ve got to continue to beat the pandemic."

Watford Observer:

The Prime Minister added: "Arjun, that’s not in any way to underestimate the pressure young people have been under, I do understand how tough it has been, obviously particularly for university students who haven't had anything like the university experience they would have liked but the faster we can get through it the more we can observe the guidances working together to continue on the cautious but irreversible roadmap and give young people the freedom that they need."