John Mason pledges child poverty fight

Home » News
2008-10-01
According to figures released by The Campaign to End Child Poverty, as many as 98 per cent of children living in Central Easterhouse and North Barlarnark and Easterhouse South are either in poverty or in working families that are struggling to get by. These areas are part of the Glasgow East constituency.

Commenting, recently elected SNP MP for the area, John Mason, said:

"This report is shocking but sadly familiar. Endemic poverty has characterised the East End of Glasgow for far too long.

"It is absolutely inexcusable that any child should live in poverty but to hear that 98% of children in some parts of my constituency should have their life chances compromised from birth is tragic.

"Clearly the area’s challenges are complex and will not be resolved overnight, but action must be taken on the blights that have held the children of Easterhouse and Barlanark back for too long.

"As a local to the area, I have been frustrated by the inaction of previous administrations to make real changes in the area but heartened by the news that the Scottish Government is taking health inequality seriously.

"The Scottish Government’s Early Years Strategy will make a real difference as will the £1.8bn billion pledged to address inequalities in Scotland.

"As soon as I take my seat in the UK Parliament next week, I too will be working to improve this situation.

"In the run up to the Pre-Budget Statement, I will be taking every opportunity to remind the UK Government that the people of Glasgow East have been under represented and overlooked for far too long. It is time their needs and the needs of people in similar situations are addressed."

Related news articles