“CPAG wants
all political parties to pledge to eradicate child poverty, so
we welcome David Cameron’s recognition that poverty is a moral
outrage. Mr Cameron is right to talk about freeing people from
the shackles of poverty, but he needs to explain what he would
do to achieve this.
“He argues
against means-testing, but does not say what he would replace
it with. He argues against tax credits, but fails to explain how
he would help parents struggling to feed and clothe their children.
“Voluntary
and community organisations do have a role to play in tackling
poverty, but they cannot substitute for the safety net of the
welfare state, a good education, affordable childcare and support
into well-paid work.
“Compassionate
conservatism may be a good soundbite but without a well-thought
out approach to tackling the causes and consequences of poverty,
David Cameron risks being accused of empty rhetoric.”
Kate Green
added: “Similarly, David Davis said yesterday that he would ‘fight
tirelessly for social justice’ and appeal to supporters of the
Make Poverty History campaign. He must also explain exactly what
he means by this.
“CPAG wrote
to both David Cameron and David Davis five weeks ago asking them
to commit a Conservative Party under their leadership to the goal
of ending child poverty, but we have yet to hear from either of
them.
“If their
speeches so far are anything to go by, then the Conservatives
have yet to get serious about tackling child poverty, increasing
social justice and extending opportunity for all.”
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