Tulip Siddiq responds to EHRC report on pandemic's impact on children

Tulip Siddiq MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Children and Early Years, responding to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s warning about the devastating impact of this pandemic on children, said:

“Children may be less likely to get sick from Covid-19, but the Government has still allowed them to become the victims of this pandemic. As ever, it is those from poorer families, or with existing vulnerabilities or special educational needs and disabilities who have been hit hardest.

“With many more families teetering on the brink of poverty, Ministers must stop treating children like an afterthought and focus on supporting their development and wellbeing.”

Ends

Notes to editors

• In its latest report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, published on International Children’s Day 2020 (20^th November 2020), the Equality and Human Rights Commission has expressed significant concerns about how the pandemic is exacerbating existing inequalities, and having a devastating impact on children’s rights, well-being and futures. Key concerns include more children being pushed into poverty, widening educational inequalities and worsening mental health.