Anniversary of Labour promise to end child poverty

Wednesday 18 March 2009

Today, 18 March marks the tenth anniversary of the Labour Government pledge to end child poverty in a generation.

As a founding member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, NCB is asking the Prime Minster: "Will you keep your promise Gordon, and improve the lives of millions of UK children living in poverty today?" 

Yesterday, the campaign to end child poverty handed the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, a petition and birthday cake to mark ten years since the Labour Government promise to eradicate child poverty by 2020. It is also calling on him to ensure the 2010 target of halving child poverty is met.

The petition has been organised by the Campaign to End Child Poverty following the Keep the Promise Rally on October 4th 2008 attended by more than 10,000 people. End Child Poverty is a coalition of over 150 member organisations representing children's charities, child welfare organisations, social justice groups, faith groups, trade unions and others, concerned about the unacceptably high levels of child poverty in the UK.

As the recession bites, an investment of at least £3 billion would provide a vital timely and targeted injection into families in our poorest communities who are hardest hit. Without this £3bn in the forthcoming budget the Government will be 700,000 children short of its target to halve child poverty by 2010.

For more information, please visit the End Child Poverty website.