Lucy Powell MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Childcare and Children, commenting on the decision by the Education Select Committee to recall junior minister Liz Truss to discuss “inadequate” response to key report on Sure Start Children’s Centres, said:

“This is an embarrassment for Liz Truss and serves to underline the lack of importance this Tory-led Government places on supporting families and children.

“David Cameron promised to back Sure Start but there are 578 fewer children’s centres since 2010. By the election he will have taken away up to £15 billion in support for children.

 “Families are under increasing pressure as prices rise and wages fall, and early-intervention services are critical to help parents give children the best start in life. Ministers’ failure to stand up for Sure Start shows supporting families with children is not a priority for them.”