Response to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s speech
In response to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s speech, Dr Philip Goodwin, CEO of The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) said:
“Today’s announcement from the Prime Minister to give every child the best start in life is hugely important for children across the country. UNICEF UK has long been calling for better investment in health and education services for children under 5 because of the vital difference early support can have at a time when a child’s rapid growth and development will influence both their childhood and their adult lives and prospects.
“Setting this milestone is a critical first step but achieving it will not be possible if only tackled through pre-school education. Children need to be happy, healthy, and safe to be able to learn. This means early childhood services such as health visiting, maternity, and children centres are equally important to achieving this change.
“Over the past decade, the UK has seen the highest increase in child poverty of any rich country while investment in services for young children and their families has declined.
“To reverse the damage of many years of underinvestment and deliver meaningful change, the Prime Minister’s ambition must be backed by bold and coordinated action across both the Opportunity and Health Missions, including sufficient investment in the upcoming Spring Spending Review across all early childhood services and support.
“This is a pivotal moment, and with the right leadership, action, and funding, there is an opportunity to transform for the better the lives of young children and their families for generations to come.”
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
For more information please contact the UNICEF UK media team on 0207 375 6030 [email protected]
UNICEF UK’s Early Moments Matter campaign
UNICEF UK’s Early Moments Matter campaign is calling on the UK Government to invest properly in early childhood and deliver a Baby and Toddler Guarantee, so that parents and carers can access the vital services and financial support to help them and their baby now and set them up for success in the future. Families need a range of support, but the campaign is focusing on financial support for parents, access to early education and childcare, and parents’ mental health as an urgent priority.
Find out more about the campaign, what is included in the Guarantee, or sign the petition here.
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.
United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).
For more information visit unicef.org.uk. Follow UNICEF UK on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.