House of Commons · Westminster Hall
06 May 2025 · 8 other contributors · 8,205 words
Opened by Maureen Burke Lab Glasgow North East
Responding minister: Alison McGovern
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Maureen Burke raised concerns about poverty: glasgow north east in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The MP asks for progressive Government action to address inequality and reverse the progress that has been reversed by austerity measures and neglect. She also highlights the importance of improving access to social housing, ensuring fair working conditions, and reducing assessments for people with longer term health conditions.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The constituency of Glasgow North East has the lowest life expectancy of any UK parliamentary constituency, with nearly 38% of children living in poverty. It also has lower wages and higher disability rates compared to Scottish and UK averages, leading to preventable health conditions such as coronary heart disease. Additionally, there is a 24-year gap in healthy life expectancy between the most deprived communities and the least deprived communities.
He acknowledged the powerful speeches made by Members for Glasgow, praising Maureen Burke's speech on poverty. He also mentioned the impact of welfare reforms introduced in 2010 and criticised recent cuts to benefits due to fiscal constraints.
The hon. Member thanks Maureen Burke for securing the debate and discusses Glasgow's poverty levels, while also addressing criticisms towards various political parties regarding their handling of public finances and social services. He expressed concern about the rise in prices following the Budgets of Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng, which have plunged many constituents into poverty. He also mentioned the impact of national insurance hikes on employers.
The hon. Member supports the debate's focus on making life better for communities and highlights issues with the social security safety net, particularly the gap between essential needs and universal credit allowances.
The average life expectancy in Glasgow North is 75.9 years, which is 8.7 years shorter than the healthiest parts of the UK. Poverty stems from economic, social, and cultural factors that interact to sustain poverty.
Acknowledged the efforts of Springburn jobcentre in helping people find employment and expressed personal grief over premature deaths due to poverty, emphasizing the need for systemic change.
In Glasgow in 2023, 41.1% of secondary pupils were registered for free school meals compared with 13.2% across Scotland. The Drumchapel/Anniesland ward has the greatest depth of poverty in Glasgow.
Ms Murray highlighted that 33% of children across Glasgow grow up poor, rising to over 37% in Glasgow East. She proposed extending free school meals throughout primary and secondary school, making homes warm and efficient, and ensuring universal access to NHS dental care for all children. Welcomed the contributions and thanked the hon. Member for Mid Dunbartonshire.
Met DWP colleagues at Springburn Jobcentre Plus office and found them helpful, encouraging MPs to engage with local DWP teams.
Government Response
Alison McGovernThe Minister for Employment
The Minister acknowledged the importance of the debate and thanked contributors for their points. She stated that the transcript would be submitted to the child poverty taskforce, noting its significance. The minister also engaged emotionally with the issue, emphasizing the importance of children's welfare in Scotland. Acknowledged poverty as a major issue, highlighted the Government's plan to reduce it by giving children the best start in life. Mentioned Glasgow’s industrial past affecting current poverty levels and its health impacts. Described actions taken such as extending the household support fund, implementing fair repayment rates for universal credit reducing debt impact on households by an average of £420 a year, benefiting 110,000 Scottish households. Also discussed end-of-life care special rules extension to 12 months and improving employment support policies.