City MP Stephen Morgan has pledged to continue to fight for children in Portsmouth as figures show a third of children in the city are still living in poverty.
Recent statistics released by the Child Poverty Action Group, show that the number of children living in poverty in the UK remains at 30% for the second year running despite the Government’s pledge to close the attainment gap.
This follows concerns shared this week by Howard Payne, Headteacher of Medina Primary School in Wymering at the National Education Union conference in Brighton that there has been a dramatic rise in poverty in his area.
Mr Payne has said the area was in crisis and he had seen the number of children living in poverty and suffering from malnutrition at his city school rise fourfold.
Stephen Morgan MP said:
“It is unacceptable that so many children who are living in poverty are going to school hungry every day.
More must be done by the Government to ensure that children from lower income families do not suffer as a result of austerity cuts.
I recently wrote to the Diocese of Portsmouth Bishop Christopher Foster to thank him for the work he has done in relation to childhood hunger and show my support for the important work he is doing in helping give those children a voice.
I have also raised serious concerns over school cuts and the number of children using food banks in the city with the Prime Minister a few weeks ago.
I will continue to work with others to bring an end to child poverty and ensure every young person in our city has the best possible chance to succeed”.
