Around 30% of Britain’s children are now classified as poor, of whom two-thirds are from working families.

Commenting on the news, Lib Dem MP Tom Brake said:

“This news is the equivalent of the obituary notice for compassionate conservatism.

“In 2017, in Britain, no child should have to face growing up like this. It is a tragic indictment of this government and we don’t need more words about what they will do. We need action.

“This should be a priority. We must do more to improve the life chances of every child. Poverty remains our most pernicious disease – and education is its greatest antidote.

“Child poverty has risen; this isn’t inevitable – the Government need to invest in our children so we can all share the rewards and build a society that is open, tolerant and united.”

Tom added:

“According to London’s Poverty Profile, Sutton has one of the lowest child poverty rates in London.  Whilst this is relatively good news, there is still much more to be done.  But this will require the Government to invest more in local Councils to enable them to boost the measures that are known to be effective at tackling child poverty.”