Children in Poverty 2026-01-28
2026-01-28
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Questions & Answers
Q1
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The MP visited Bishop David Sheppard school and observed the positive impact of breakfast clubs on disadvantaged children.
I visited Bishop David Sheppard primary school in my constituency where I saw firsthand how breakfast clubs are making a difference to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Will the Minister explain how the Government’s commitment to expanding breakfast clubs will tackle child poverty and reduce inequalities across the country?
My hon. Friend is a real champion for local families, and I would be grateful if he extended my thanks to all the staff team at Bishop David Sheppard primary school for their work. Breakfast clubs make a huge difference by expanding learning opportunities and giving our children a great start to the day. This Labour Government will deliver a national roll-out of breakfast clubs across our country.
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Q2
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In the Arboretum area of Derby, half the children are growing up in poverty, facing hunger, cold homes, and higher likelihood of mental health issues.
Half the children in Arboretum in my constituency are living in poverty, experiencing hungry mornings, cold homes, and a fourfold increased risk of mental health problems by age 11. What urgent action is the Government taking to tackle child poverty and eliminate health inequalities so that all children can grow up with warmth and stability?
Alongside the expansion of our new free breakfast clubs, we are massively expanding free school meals and extra childcare for families. This runs alongside the roll-out of Best Start family hubs in every area, building on the proud Labour legacy of Sure Start to support families early when their children are young.
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Q3
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Healthy life expectancy in North Ayrshire is the lowest in Scotland, indicating significant health disparities.
In my constituency of North Ayrshire and Arran, healthy life expectancy for women and men is 52.5 years, which is the lowest in Scotland. This highlights increasing health inequalities compared to other parts of Scotland. Does the Minister agree that this is unacceptable and that more needs to be done by the Scottish Government given their significant financial settlement?
Those are truly shocking statistics. I know that my hon. Friend, Anas Sarwar and all Scottish Labour colleagues are working to kick out the SNP and show how Labour can make the NHS fit for the future alongside our child poverty strategy, which will lift thousands of children in Scotland out of poverty.
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