Sharon Hodgson MP is joining forces with families across Washington and Sunderland to show support for the city’s Sure Start centres. The facilities which essential provide early years support for young children are under threat from Tory plans to cut children’s funding.

Almost a hundred local parents signed up to the petition last weekend with many more expected to add their names in the coming days. Families are invited to show how much they love their Sure Start centre at a new website www.saveoursurestart.com.

The Tories would cut Sure Start from families on middle and modest incomes. Instead of the universal service Labour has created for all families, the Tories have said they would cut £200 million each year from the Sure Start budget - which could see one in five children's centres being forced to close.

Sharon Hodgson said:

“I’m concerned that if the Conservatives sneak in at the next election families across the region are going to find that a celebrated service disappears from under their noses. All of the research points to the fact that investment in the early years of a child’s life is more than paid back to society as they grow older and I can’t believe the Tories would threaten such a popular facility as they seek to cutback investment in our public services.”

Labour's campaign is backed by ordinary families, children's champions and celebrity mums, including Arabella Weir, Jo Brand and actress Michelle Collins. Michelle Collins, celebrity Labour supporter and former EastEnders star said:

"There's nothing more important than giving all children the best possible start in life. That's why Sure Start Children's Centres were set up, they have made life easier for millions of families and it would be a major step backwards to cut them now. That's why I'm encouraging everyone to sign up to www.saveoursurestart.com."

Ed Balls MP, Labour's Children's Secretary said:

"I'm proud to be supporting families across England who are today campaigning to save their Sure Start children's centre. These centres are now at the very heart of their local communities, providing essential services to parents and helping to give children the best possible start in life.

"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."

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Sharon Hodgson MP
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