“I am a strong believer in providing every child born in our nation with equal opportunities to thrive. It is crucial that every child has access to quality education, a safe home, and regular meals throughout the day.
In a bid to create a more just and equitable society, I made the decision to eliminate the two-child cap during the previous year’s Budget announcement. This cap, imposed by the previous administration, resulted in depriving hundreds of thousands of children of basic necessities like food, heating, and clothing. It exacerbated financial struggles for many families and introduced a controversial policy known as the rape clause into our welfare system.
As the Labour Chancellor, I take pride in removing this cap. Additionally, through initiatives such as the introduction of free breakfast clubs and school meals for children whose parents are on Universal Credit, we aim to lift over half a million children out of poverty by 2030. This endeavor will provide these children with a better foundation for their future, ensuring they can attend school without the burdens imposed by poverty.
Recently, I had the privilege of meeting with some of these children and women’s advocates at Downing Street. Their stories of resilience and determination in the face of adversity left a lasting impact on me. Tonight, as Parliament votes on this crucial issue, I am committed to supporting these families and undoing the harm caused by long-standing policies. I urge other parties to justify their stance on this matter.
However, our work does not end here. It is imperative that we continue striving to create a society where every child receives a fair start in life and where parents are treated with dignity, respect, and the necessary support. This is the driving force behind my involvement in politics and government, and I am resolute in delivering on this commitment.”