Families from across Wales will be among thousands marching through London this weekend calling on the UK Government to keep its promise on ending child poverty. The UK Government promised to halve child poverty by 2010 but are in real danger of missing this target. In the current economic climate, it is particularly important that the Government takes bold action now to ensure a better future for all our children.
The UK has one of the highest rates of child poverty in Europe, despite being the fifth richest nation. In Wales, 29 per cent of children’s lives are blighted by poverty.
To show the Government that the public really are concerned about child poverty, children, young people and families will be assembling at Millbank from 11:30am on 4 October, before marching to Trafalgar Square. At 2pm there will be a mass moment when everyone will be asked to make as much noise as possible, to make sure that Downing Street hears the message.
The event is being organised by the Campaign to End Child Poverty, a coalition of more than 120 charities, trade unions, faith groups and other organisations, of which Children in Wales is a member.
Sean O’Neill, Policy Director for Children in Wales says "This Saturday, the UK will witness the largest ever event to end child poverty in this country and is intended to send a clear message to the UK Government that the current levels of child poverty will no longer be tolerated. The rally promises to be a family friendly occasion and we are looking forward to seeing many children, young people and their families from across Wales taking part. There is a serious message of course, and we are repeating our call for the UK Government to spend just £3 billion to stay on course and reach the target of halving child poverty by 2010"
Children in Wales is helping to co-ordinate the involvement of people from Wales at the rally alongside our partners as part of the End Child Poverty Network Cymru. Coaches from Wales are being organised by Save the Children.
Notes:
1. The Keep the Promise march, organised by the Campaign to End Child Poverty, will take place on Saturday 4 October 2008 in London.
2. Children in Wales is the national umbrella organisation for voluntary, statutory and professional organisations and individuals who work with children and young people in Wales. www.childreninwales.org.uk
3. Children in Wales co-ordinates the End Child Poverty Network Cymru, a coalition of concern focused on the eradication of child poverty in Wales. www.endchildpovertycymru.org.uk