MP takes look at life through younger eyes

AN Oldham MP is backing a new campaign to encourage young people to take a closer look at poverty.

Debbie Abrahams is supporting the Children’s Commission on Poverty — a unique opportunity for youngsters to examine the stark realities facing thousands of families living below the poverty line.

Supported by The Children’s Society, a panel of 15 children and teenagers from across England will lead the Commission’s 18-month investigation into child poverty in the UK.

The commission will provide a crucial platform for children to speak out about what poverty is really like and reveal, through their own eyes, the day-to-day challenges they face and what needs to be done.

Mrs Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “I know from the Oldham Fairness Commission’s education hearing last month, how important it is to hear from young people, both about their experiences and possible solutions to inequalities and I look forward to engaging with the poverty commissioners on other areas of work for Oldham’s Fairness Commission.”