Emilia Clarke, Chris Packham, and George Clarke are among celebrities backing an open letter coordinated by Big Issue founder John Bird, urging the UK government to set binding child poverty reduction targets. The letter, signed by MPs, peers, and charities including the National Children's Bureau, Barnardo's, and Trussell, warns that the government's reluctance to commit to targets has 'rung alarm bells'.
The signatories express concern that the government's child poverty strategy may lack measurable benchmarks, stating: 'We’re worried that the government does not want its homework marked when it comes to child poverty.' They argue that targets are essential to track progress and ensure accountability.
Lord Bird plans to reintroduce an amendment to the children's wellbeing and schools bill when it returns to the House of Lords later this year. The government previously rejected a similar amendment, with education minister Jacqui Smith arguing that targets could 'narrow the focus of effort'.
The child poverty strategy, initially delayed from spring to autumn 2025, is now expected around the November budget. Charities have raised concerns over potential half-measures, with the Resolution Foundation warning that such approaches would have little effect on overall poverty rates.
According to the Child Poverty Action Group, on the current trajectory, nearly 5 million children could be living in poverty by 2029. A government spokesperson highlighted investments in family hubs, free school meals, and a £1bn crisis support package, stating the taskforce will publish an 'ambitious strategy' to tackle root causes.
