CAMPAIGN TO END CHILD POVERTY

Early day motion 288, tabled 15 December 2008 by Dai Davies (Independent). Signed by 178 members.

That this House is deeply concerned that there are 3.9 million children living below the poverty line in the United Kingdom, which is one of the worst records in the EU and amongst other wealthy countries; recognises the appalling damage poverty does to children's wellbeing and life chances; further recognises the strength of public concern, as demonstrated by over 10,000 people at the largest ever event in support of an end to child poverty, the Campaign to End Child Poverty's recent rally in Trafalgar Square; believes that British children should not have to continue suffering worse levels of poverty than their counterparts in other wealthy countries; notes research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation indicating that social and economic problems resulting from child poverty cost the United Kingdom at least £25 billion each year; believes that the Government should recognise, measure and act on relative poverty; and calls on the Government to eradicate United Kingdom child poverty by 2020.

Signatures by party: Conservative 69, Labour 51, Liberal Democrat 45, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Independent 2, Scottish National Party 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Respect 1.