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Sure Start Children's Centres

I am delighted to follow my hon. Friends the Members for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana Berger) and for Liverpool, West Derby (Stephen Twigg) in speaking in this important debate. The fact that three Labour MPs representing Liverpool constituencies have contributed shows the depth of feeling in our city about the issue under discussion. In a move designed to detoxify the Tory brand and cultivate cuddly, compassionate Conservatism—allegedly big on children and the family—the current Prime Minister told Tory acolytes back in 2009:"““Sure Start will stay, and we'll improve it.””" Actions speak louder than words, however. Eighteen months and one election later, 250 children's centres are due to close nationwide and some 2,000 will be forced to reduce their services. Sure Start as we know it looks set neither to ““stay”” nor ““improve””. This is another example of Cleggism, if one was needed: saying one thing, but doing another.