What a special day Monday was, made even more so by bringing my Mum, and daughter, Florence, 4, along to 10 Downing Street for a garden party (like no other) hosted by P.M. Sir Keir Starmer’s wife Victoria Starmer (as he was unable to attend due to a personal matter) to celebrate those advocating for parents and children in the UK. The last time my Mum had a tour at No 10 was when she was a university politics student and she got to meet the PM at the time, Harold Wilson!
It was wonderful to enjoy the activities in the rose-filled gardens, drink Pimms and meet so many pioneering creators and journalists making a difference to families. We even made it into a little London mini break.
What an honour it’s been to interview the PM, Sir Keir Starmer, twice, and to partake in experiences such as these. I have also previously spoken about birth trauma, maternal rights and child safety in Parliament, respectively.
It was lovely to meet journalist Gordon Smart (I’ve appeared on his BBC 5 Live radio show several times) and to hang out with my wonderful pal, Neha of Squashed Pickle fame.
I wanted to share here what this government have done and are continuing to do for families (also shared by Victoria Starmer and Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson:
30-hours of free childcare each week, saving working parents an average of £8,000 a year per child.
More nursery places near you through the school-based nurseries programme with over 5,000 new places now in schools to make childcare easier to access.
Ending the two-child limit, lifting 450,000 children out of poverty.
Free school meals for all families on Universal Credit, with over half a million more children benefitting from a free nutritious meal every school day and saving parents £500 a year.
Free breakfast clubs at school, saving parents up to £450 a year by giving them an extra 30 minutes of free childcare each morning.
Cheaper school uniforms, with limits on branded items, saving parents £50 per child.
Day-one paternity leave for new dads, so families have stronger rights and more security from the start.
Day-one rights to unpaid parental leave, so working parents can take time off when they need it, without having to wait a year to qualify.
Saving on summer holidays: We’re cutting the VAT from 20% to 5% on children’s meals, trips to the cinema and theatre, and days out at attractions like soft play, museums, zoos and amusement parks.
Free bus travel for every child aged 5 to 15 in England.
Best Start Family Hubs expanded across England, offering support from pregnancy through the early years with advice on infant feeding, mental health support, and early language skills, all in one place for families.
What an experience to treasure. We enjoyed a second day in London playing tourists!
Order my debut children's book
Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends for 9-12 year olds
Published by Scholastic. Available on Amazon
