A staggering 9.3 million people, including three million children, are experiencing hunger and hardship in the UK, according to a recent study. The Trussell Trust report highlights the alarming fact that almost a quarter of children under four are facing extreme poverty, with a 46 percent increase in child poverty over the past two decades.
This crisis of food insecurity and financial struggle has put pressure on the new Labour government to take action, especially as the upcoming budget looms. Despite being a G7 and NATO member and the sixth largest economy globally, the UK has one of the highest rates of child poverty among wealthier nations, as reported by UNICEF.
The Trussell Trust urges Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to act urgently to address this issue and prevent further increases in hunger and hardship. Measures such as lifting the two-child benefit cap have been proposed as solutions to alleviate poverty levels.
As the cost of living crisis grips the country, it is imperative for the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens and work towards reducing child poverty in a sustainable manner.
© 2024 AFP