Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jason Manford criticises David Cameron for 'changing the definition of child poverty'

'Can’t believe David Cameron has wiped out child poverty in the UK. What a legend'

Siobhan Fenton
Sunday 05 July 2015 15:48 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jason Manford has criticised government plans to change the definition of "child poverty".

The Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, confirmed this week that the government plans to repel legally binding child poverty targets. The announcement came as the government prepares to make £12bn welfare cuts that their own child poverty advisors have said are highly likely to raise child poverty. The Children’s Commissioner warned that the number of children in poverty will rise by around one million over the next five years.

In a message on Facebook, Manford told his page’s one million followers: “Can’t believe David Cameron has wiped out Child Poverty in the UK. What a legend. Simply by changing the meaning of what we understand to be ‘poverty’. Genius.

“So glad the country voted him in. Nice one. Chuffed to bits.”

He added: “Statistically living in a poor family can reduce children’s expectations of their own lives and lead to a cycle where poverty is repeated from generation to generation.

“As adults they are more likely to suffer ill-health, be unemployed or homeless, and become involved in offending, drug and alcohol abuse, and abusive relationships.”

It is not the first time that the comedian, from Salford, has hit out against the Prime Minister’s policies. In December 2014, he posted a series of tweets accusing Mr Cameron of being “sneaky” and “failing” the NHS.

Mr Duncan Smith has defended the policy move. In a statement announcing the reform he said: “I believe that the best route out of poverty is work- it provides purpose, responsibility, and role models for our children.

“I am announcing that we will bring forward legislation to remove the measures and targets in the Child Poverty Act, as well as the other duties and provision. How we measure things matters because it influences what governments focus on and what we target.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in