Today, Thursday 13 June 2024, the Labour Party unveiled their 2024 Manifesto.
John Bird, founder of the Big Issue and crossbench peer in the House of Lords, said: “Fixing the currently broken NHS system is vital, and I’m pleased to see that Labour are committing to end the workforce crisis – something that the Big Issue has called for in its Blueprint for Change.
“I am also glad to see that they have heard our calls on mental health care provision, particularly for children and young people. Early access to support is preventative, and will benefit not only those in need, but society as whole and the NHS itself.
“Labour’s manifesto also promises to bring about much needed investment in early years. Giving all children the best start in life is a crucial aspect to ending poverty. While I welcome their commitment to reduce child poverty, I now ask they take a step further, and commit to ending it.
“It’s disappointing to see a lack of clear policy on social housing and a woolly ‘cross-government strategy’ for homelessness with no dates or targets on homelessness.
“The time for initial, light-footed steps has gone. We need strong, immediate, urgent action to this poverty crisis.”
