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Child Protection

I am sorry; I am going to finish. I apologise to the hon. Gentleman. I implore Opposition Members to rethink their position on the ContactPoint system. It is not of itself a guarantee, but without it we cannot be sure that we will not see another failure of information sharing leading to the death of a child. Systems have been intended to achieve that for 30-odd years and have still not done it, and ContactPoint is essential. This has been a very important debate, and if one thing has united us, it has been the opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of those involved in services right across social care, health, the police and beyond—all those involved in safeguarding children. They face a difficult job in challenging circumstances, and we must support them. However, we recognise that there is much more to be done. Every single child should enjoy a happy, safe childhood, regardless of where they live or their background. Achieving that means a relentless drive by the Government and local children's trusts to raise standards and tackle failure. It means support for social workers and their training, the willingness not to duck difficult decisions such as that on ContactPoint and the commitment to sustain the money necessary to invest in services. The Opposition have told us little about what they would do and where they would get the money. They have said that they are not committed to children's centres and that they would axe ContactPoint. Their spending plans would cut £300 million from the children's non-school budget. That is the equivalent of a £2 million hole in every local authority's budget. By contrast, the Government will continue to invest in children and families, drive the necessary reforms and raise standards to give every child the best. I commend the Government amendment to the House. Question put (Standing Order No. 31(2)), That the original words stand part of the Question. The House divided: Ayes 198, Noes 292.