Youth services need to be protected from funding cuts, Tottenham MP David Lammy has said.

The politician added his name to a motion in parliament calling for a nationwide “statutory funded, wide-ranging and universal youth service” to be delivered by local authorities.

He said: “It is incredibly important that young people across the borough, and indeed across the UK, have access to a range of youth services that support their health, wellbeing and happiness.

“Here in Tottenham, we have range of wonderful artistic organisations, sports clubs and youth groups within our community that help our young people realise their full potential in further education and employment.”

The early day motion states that youth services help develop “life skills” and deliver a safe environment for young people, particularly for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Seema Chandwani, a youth worker, said Haringey Council had protected its youth service well.

She said: “Sadly local authorities across the country have been short-sighted in their cuts to youth services, but luckily in Haringey the council have been very smart in protecting youth services.

“In Sept 2013 Haringey Council councillors passed their 3 year youth service strategy taking us up to 2017. Young people are facing many challenges in Haringey and I am glad the council recognise this by protecting a service they need.”