Dr. Rosanna Alan Kahn.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question number one.

The Prime Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

May I start, Mr. Speaker, by wishing all members and staff a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

And I'm sure the whole House will want to join me in sending our warmest Christmas

messages and wishes to all our armed forces who are stationed overseas.

We owe them a great debt of gratitude for the sacrifices that they make on our behalf.

Mr Speaker, this morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others.

In addition to my duties in this House, I shall have further such meetings later today.

Dr. Rosanna Alan Kahn.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In 2009, the Prime Minister said it was a tragedy that the number of children falling into the poverty cycle was continuing to rise.

Every child deserves to have a roof over their head and food on the table.

Yet on her watch, in Wandsworth alone, the number of families forced to survive on food banks is continuing to rise and

two and a half thousand children yes children will wake up homeless on Christmas

day so my question is simple when will this austerity driven government say enough is

enough and put an end to this tragedy?

Prime Minister

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Well, the Honourable Lady should note that in fact this government has lifted hundreds of thousands of children out of absolute poverty.

But I think it's important for all those who have heard her question to be aware of this.

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