Oral Answers to Questions

Chi Onwurah Excerpts

Wednesday 17th May 2023 Commons Chamber

[The Deputy Prime Minister]

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight this. I am incredibly optimistic about the future of this country in industries across the piece, including digital and, indeed, film and television in my constituency. We are genuinely world leading, creating the high-quality jobs that we want for our children and grandchildren.

[Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab)]

Q11.   Half the children in Newcastle upon Tyne Central are growing up in poverty. Over the last five years, the delivery of food parcels to north-east children has risen by 250%. The number of north-east children who are homeless rose by 50% last year, and on average their parents’ wages have fallen by £1,000. If any of this affects a child’s mental health, they face a five-month wait for treatment. Why are his Government making it so hard for our kids?

[The Deputy Prime Minister]

I really think this House needs a correction on the facts, given what we have heard from the Labour party. Because of our national living wage, which is defined as being at least two thirds of the median income, poverty is at its lowest point for years. We have lifted 1.7 million people out of absolute poverty altogether. That is the track record of this Government.