Skip to main content
Advertise with the Morning Star
How can children learn when they are wracked by poverty?
NEU general secretary DANIEL KEBEDE warns that after 14 years of Conservative rule, fatigue, hunger and poor health are commonplace in Britain’s schools

IT’S 2024, in the sixth-richest nation on the planet, and child poverty stalks the land.

Twelve million people — 18 per cent of the entire UK population — are living in absolute poverty, 3.6 million of them children. 

Nearly a fifth of people are struggling to meet basic needs and an additional 300,000 children have fallen into poverty over a 12-month period.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
National Education Union leader Daniel Kebede
Features / 17 April 2025
17 April 2025

We face austerity, privatisation, and toxic influence. But we are growing, and cannot be beaten


A lunch tray in the school canteen
Britain / 12 March 2025
12 March 2025
Campaigners urge government to roll out universal free school meals