Ministers knew underfunding early years meant higher childcare costs for pare nts - Tulip Siddiq responds

“These shocking findings confirm the Conservatives’ disregard for early years education and the childcare needs of working families.

“Conservative Ministers knew that they were dramatically underfunding early years, and that this would drive up the cost of childcare whilst driving down quality. Yet they pushed ahead regardless.

“The Government owes parents an apology for this reckless underfunding of early years and for covering it up. Ministers must now change their failed approach to early years, which must start with urgent action to prevent further childcare closures.”