Oral Answers to Questions

Baggy Shanker Excerpts

Wednesday 28th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Patrick Hurley (Southport) (Lab)]

7. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce inequalities experienced by children in poverty.

[Baggy Shanker (Derby South) (Lab/Co-op)]

8. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce inequalities experienced by children in poverty.

[Irene Campbell (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab)]

10. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce inequalities experienced by children in poverty.

--- Later in debate ---

[Bridget Phillipson]

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 the Bishop David Sheppard primary school for the work that they are doing. Breakfast clubs make a huge difference to parents and children by expanding learning and giving our children a great start to the day, and this Labour Government will deliver a national roll-out of breakfast clubs across our country.

[Baggy Shanker]

In Arboretum in my constituency, half the children are growing up in poverty. That means hungry mornings, cold homes and kids who are four times more likely to face mental health problems by the time they are 11. What urgent action are the Government taking, across Government, to tackle child poverty and eliminate health inequalities so that all children can grow up in warmth and stability?

[Bridget Phillipson]

Alongside the expansion of our new free breakfast clubs, we are massively expanding free school meals and extra childcare for families. That runs alongside our work to roll out 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.