News from Cornwall Labour

Conservative cuts to Sure Start “devastating” for Cornwall

David Cameron’s cuts to Sure Start children’s centres would deal a devastating blow to families in Cornwall on middle and modest incomes – that was the message from Jude Robinson as she launched Cornwall Labour Party’s ‘Save Our Sure Start’ campaign against Tory plans to take £200 million from Sure Start.

On the same day that Labour announced it has delivered on its pledge to build 3,500 Sure Start centres across England, the campaign in Cornwall against Conservative plans to cut Sure Start for families on middle and modest incomes gathered pace, with people campaigning door to door and online at www.saveoursurestart.com

Jude Robinson Labour’s PPC for Camborne, Redruth & Hayle said:

“On the doorstep, parents tell me that Sure Start helps them to give their children the best possible start in life. I’ve spoken to many mothers – and fathers – who have found Sure Start’s support an absolute life-saver.”

Sure Start has given thousands of children the best possible start in life, delivering real benefits to the education and health of families across Cornwall.

Jude added: “It is hard to believe that before Labour came to office in 1997, Sure Start did not exist at all. It is one of my party’s best achievements and we want to make sure that all families, including those on middle and modest incomes, will always be able to count on Sure Start.”

Sue Winter, one of the leading campaigners against the closure of Trevu Children’s Centre in Camborne said:

“The Conservatives are completely out of touch with the needs of parents and young children on this issue. Sure Starts are a lifeline for so many people – they provide access to information, education, play, advice, training, child care, and emotional and practical support from midwives, health visitors, counsellors and peer groups all under one roof in a friendly, safe and welcoming environment.

“I know of several mums who have received help with post-natal depression and without Sure Start they wouldn’t have known where to go or who to ask for help. Cutting Sure Starts will have a detrimental effect some of the most vulnerable people in our society including our children.”

Schools Secretary Ed Balls said:

“In 1997, there were no Children’s Centres, but today there are 3,500. Labour created Sure Start and will continue investing in it as a universal service for all families with children under five.

“But by cutting Sure Start and rolling back Labour’s Child Trust Fund and Tax Credits, David Cameron’s Conservatives are demonstrating they haven’t changed.

“When families take a long, hard look at the Tories they can see that they have the wrong policies for children and the wrong priorities for our country. But with Labour’s future fair for all, every child is guaranteed a Sure Start in life.”

Other news from Cornwall Labour

• Hundreds sign Falmouth for Orders petition - 30 January 2012
• Labour and unions campaign for dredging the port of Falmouth - 18 January 2012
• Regional funding put at risk by ministers' failure to act - 8 January 2012