Keir Starmer greeted supporters in a scarlet tie with a huge grin on his face this morning after Labour’s landslide win in the general election – but what does the party’s historic victory mean for women, and what do campaigners hope to see next? From childcare and healthcare to domestic abuse, we asked charities and women’s groups for their thoughts...
Childcare Labour’s pledged to open more than 3,000 new nursery classes across England , with plans to provide free breakfast club places in every primary school also among their childcare promises. But some charities suggest the childcare system needs more radical reform. “ Labour must set out much more ambitious plans on childcare if it is to be truly affordable, accessible, and reduce inequality,” says Jemima Olchawski, CEO of Fawcett Society , which campaigns for gender equality and women’s rights at work.
“The announced increase in places is a welcome start, next we need investment in the workforce to deliver those places. “Our childcare system needs rescue and then radical reform so that all children can benefit, not just those whose parents are already in work,” adds Olchawski. Victoria Benson, CEO of single parent charity Gingerbread , adds: “We must also see the toxic two-child limit scrapped, unless this happens more children will live in poverty.
Labour needs to demonstrate its commitment to improving the lives of the UK’s two million single parent families and we look forward to ensuring ou.
