I am pleased to have the opportunity to address this conference today, to talk to the people who are on the ground making a difference, to welcome you to this conference of Trailblazers which will I hope give you the chance to learn from each others' experiences and ensure that Sure Start is a success.
Child poverty is a scar on the soul of Britain.
That is why Tony Blair has said we must aim to abolish child poverty over 20 years. And that is what we are determined to do to give every child the best start in life. When we came into government one in three children were living in low income families with a higher number of children growing up in workless households than any other European country. It is essential that we address the causes of poverty and provide support where and when it is most needed. For when some are poor our whole society is impoverished.