After twelve years of Conservative government, our childcare system is failing families and our economy. The cost of a full time childcare place for a child under two has risen by £2,000 since 2010, and according to one recent survey more than 6 in 10 parents now spend more on childcare than their domestic costs.

Parents, providers, the TUC and CBI all agree that urgent action is needed. But the government’s answer is silence, with no mention of childcare in the Chancellor’s most recent budget statement.

Labour will build a modern childcare system supporting families from the end of parental leave until end of primary school. The first step on the road towards this is our plan for fully funded breakfast clubs for all primary school children making sure every child starts school ready to learn. You can watch my speech in Parliament yesterday here >>