Legislation to scrap the two-child benefits cap will be introduced to Parliament on Thursday. Here, Keir Starmer explains to readers of The i Paper why he thinks the policy is important, despite the financial constraints on the Government. It follows an internal presentation where the Government was advised that it can better connect with voters by showing emotion, empathy and evidence.
Just before Christmas, I was handed a letter that stayed with me. It came from a nine-year-old girl called Isla. “Dear Keir Starmer. Please do not ignore this. I’m writing this letter to tell you about child poverty,” she wrote.
In her note, Isla explained some of the ways growing up without enough money can impact children.
“Being forced to wear clothes that don’t fit. Being made fun of. Missing out on school trips,” she said.
“Getting bad grades because of lack of sleep and concentration. Being hungry and having to wait until lunchtime to eat.”
One in three children in our country lives in poverty, she warned. “It’s an absolute disgrace. You need to do something about this outrageous situation as soon as possible.”
‘Investing in our country’s future’
Isla is right. It is a disgrace. And as Prime Minister, I will never accept that poverty should decide a child’s future.
One of the reasons I came into politics was because I believe every child, in every part of our country, should have the chance to go as far as their talent will take them.
That is why my Labour Government will lift more than half a million children out of poverty, the biggest reduction in a single Parliament since records began.
Starmer: How we are tackling poverty
Extending free school meals Rolling out free breakfast clubs Raising the National Living Wage Ending the two-child benefits capThis is not just a moral imperative. It is an investment in our country’s future.
Children who grow up in poverty do less well at school, are more likely to be not in education, employment or training when older, and earn less throughout their lifetimes.
We are extending free school meals and rolling out free breakfast clubs, so fewer children go hungry.
We are raising the National Living Wage and strengthening rights at work, so more parents can rely on secure, decent jobs.
Your next read
square DISABILITYMobility scooter drivers face speed limit reductions in road safety crackdown
square POLITICSPub tax U-turn ‘inevitable’ – as landlords demand lower business rates
square POLITICS ExclusiveUK prepared to seize more of Putin’s shadow ships
square POLITICS ExplainedHow the UK’s drink-driving laws compare to the rest of the world
And in Parliament, we will introduce the landmark legislation to scrap the two-child limit, a failed Tory policy experiment for which children have paid the price.
Nigel Farage now seems determined to link arms with the Conservatives in a cruel alliance to push kids who need help back into hardship. Their poverty pact should worry us all. These aren’t numbers on a spreadsheet, they are children’s life chances at stake.
While Reform offer division and decline, this Labour Government is making renewal a reality.
Hence then, the article about keir starmer what isla 9 taught me about child poverty was published today ( ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Keir Starmer: What Isla, 9, taught me about child poverty )
Also on site :