The plight of poverty

The 2018 Child Poverty Week has just ended.

Just like disease, poverty can affect anyone, anytime. For too many children, it is a lived experience that limits opportunities and experiences.

Raising the plight of children in poverty and calling for measures doesn’t happen in one week. For many charities, faith groups and other bodies, it’s their mission all year round.

It is also fundamental to my politics and that is why I support Labour’s proposal that would lift 30,000 children out of poverty.

By increasing Child Benefit by £5 a week the Scottish Government can do just that. It has the power to do so, the political will is lacking the SNP to listen to Scottish Labour and the many children’s charity, antipoverty groups, faith groups and the STUC who back Labour’s proposals.

When Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard called on the First Minister to lift 30,000 children out of poverty in the next year, Nicola Sturgeon refused to listen and instead resorted to petty personal attacks.

Labour’s record on child poverty out performs that of any party. Between 1997 and 2010 Labour halved child poverty. We also halved pensioner poverty. Why?

Because we had the political will to implement policies like the national minimum wage, sure start grants and child benefit as well as investing in education.

It is time the SNP lived up to their proclamation that they stand up for Scotland.

If they don’t want to make real change that will transform the lives of millions, then be honest with the electorate and let them elect a Scottish Labour Government who will.