Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life

Debate between Bridget Phillipson and Rosie Wrighting

Monday 7th July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Rosie Wrighting (Kettering) (Lab)]

As someone who felt the benefits of being born and growing up under the last Labour Government, I welcome this Labour Government’s decisions to give children the best start in life. Local charity Home-Start Kettering does phenomenal work, but over recent years it has seen an increase in demand for its services. Will the Secretary of State confirm how the “best start in life” strategy will work with local charities to help achieve the Government’s objective of getting more children school ready?

[Bridget Phillipson]

My hon. Friend is right to draw attention to the important work of voluntary and community groups, which will have a central role to play, not least because they are often better able to access and support families who might otherwise find it difficult to go through the doors of a centre, and who might feel a certain kind of reluctance about statutory services. Their role and work is critical to what we will take forward. My hon. Friend is right that the last Labour Government did amazing things, and today’s announcement builds on the proud record of Sure Start.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bridget Phillipson and Rosie Wrighting

Wednesday 18th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Rosie Wrighting (Kettering) (Lab)]

T2. If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.

[The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)]

Earlier this month the Government set out our “Plan for Change”—a plan to raise living standards for everyone. Everyone should have access to warm homes, a revitalised NHS and opportunities to thrive at work, and they should feel safe on our streets. I am proud to be driving our mission to ensure that background is no barrier to success and that every child has the best start in life. This week marks the end of Disability History Month, during which my right hon. Friend the Minister for Social Security and Disability has met disabled people and disabled people’s organisations and set up a network of lead Ministers for disability across every Government Department.

[Rosie Wrighting]

Last week I visited Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service, where we discussed estimates that reported incidents of domestic abuse in the UK spike up to 20% during the Christmas period. What are the Government doing to ensure that those affected by domestic violence can get support at this time of year?

[Bridget Phillipson]

I thank my hon. Friend for that important question, and I pay tribute to the work of Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service and everyone working across domestic violence and sexual abuse services this Christmas. I know from my own experience of working in such services over the Christmas period how busy it can be, but I want to send a message to all victims that support is always there when they need it, even at Christmas, and the police will always respond when called. Where there are serious concerns, people should know that they are not alone at Christmas, and that help and support is always available.