KEIR STARMER: 'Reform UK are talking down our country - I'm giving kids a brighter future'

While families across the country have been enjoying a well-deserved summer break, whether jetting off abroad or relaxing at home, my Labour government has been hard at work, rolling up its sleeves to make sure every child gets the best possible start in life.

Because I’ve seen the impact investing in our young people can have - from dishing out school lunches to children in Essex who’ll benefit from our free school meals expansion, to taking music lessons with kids in Milton Keynes as part of our plan to offer young people new skills and hobbies. Our opportunity mission is about setting up every child for success.

But it’s not easy for parents. Growing up, I remember there was a lot of love but not always a lot of money. I know how cost of living pressures, struggles to get childcare, and juggling work, family and other responsibilities takes its toll.

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That’s why one of my government’s top priorities is supporting young families. This Autumn, we are kick starting our Best Start In Life campaign, to turbocharge children’s learning and give hard pressed families the extra hand they deserve. We’re putting more money in Mirror readers pockets, giving parents some much needed time back, and setting children up to do their best in the classroom and beyond.

I am delighted that from today, parents can take full advantage our new offer of 30 free hours childcare a week - covering children from nine months until school age. It will save working parents up to £7,500 a year to enjoy or save for a rainy day. But it also eases the burden on parents struggling to get back to work, or grandparents who are picking up the slack.

We aren’t stopping there. We are rolling out free breakfast clubs, providing primary school children with a healthy breakfast to start the day right and giving parents an extra hand in the morning. We are also expanding free school meals to families on universal credit, lifting 100,000 children out of poverty. On top of that, we’re capping the number of branded school items parents have to buy. Children don’t need expensive clothes to do their best at school; they need full bellies and our full support.

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Not only that, we want every child to have the chance to learn new skills and find their spark. That’s why we’ve announced £88 million for extracurricular activities, like art, music and outdoor activities. And we’re helping kids stay active and engaged during the holidays, helping parents out during the summer months.

Our Best Start In Life plan will give every young person exactly that. With this government, every child will get a first-class education. They’ll be able to make the most of the opportunities that kids deserve to find new interests and build their skills. They’ll be sure of a nutritious meal each day. And parents will have more cash and more time.

Because I want every parent to know that there is a bright future ahead for their children. While Reform and the Tories talk down the country at every turn, we’re doing the work to make people’s lives better. I’m not interested in scaremongering from the sidelines. I’m rolling up my sleeves to deliver change that makes a difference to you and your family.

The last Government refused to back Britain by funding the homes, transport, energy and other vital infrastructure we need for a modern economy and failed to invest in the skills and training we need for the jobs of the future. That has left working people paying the price.

Through our Plan for Change, this Labour government is doing things differently to put more money in your pocket.

We’re improving transport infrastructure and building new homes across the country. We’re investing in the future, with new technology, skills training and good, well-paid jobs.

Renewing Britain will take the skills and talents of everyone in the country so we are determined to unlock potential and talent whatever someone’s background or upbringing.

With this government, our drive to deliver national renewal will make every person will feel better off and more secure.

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