Give credit where it's due: Labour is finally doing things its supporters actually want | Gaby Hinsliff

Labour has finally started doing what its supporters actually want, and it's a welcome change of pace. The party's recent actions, including the lifting of the two-child limit on children's welfare payments and the introduction of early-years provision, are long overdue and show that Labour is listening to its base.

The crisis in early childhood education is a complex issue with multiple causes, but poverty, parental exhaustion, and excessive screen time are all contributing factors. The Local Government Association's recent report highlights the devastating impact on young children who are struggling to develop basic skills like speech, social interaction, and emotional regulation.

Labour's strategy of providing financial support to poorer families through lifting the two-child limit is a step in the right direction. By targeting those most in need, Labour can help alleviate the lifelong harms caused by early deprivation. The introduction of Best Start family hubs, which will promote reading and provide SEND coordinators for children with special educational needs and disabilities, shows that Labour is committed to tackling this crisis.

The government's response has been lukewarm at best. While some may argue that taxing the wealthy to fund these initiatives is regressive, it's hard to deny the benefits of investing in our most vulnerable citizens. The fact that Labour's opponents are struggling to articulate a compelling narrative around child poverty highlights the party's strengths on this issue.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats and Greens have been vocal in their criticism of the government's handling of Brexit and its economic policies. However, it remains to be seen whether their message will resonate with voters. The ongoing struggle for Reform's electoral credibility also hangs in the balance, as the party's leadership navigates the complex landscape of British politics.

Despite the challenges ahead, Labour's recent actions show that the party is committed to delivering on its promises. For once, we can take yes for an answer and acknowledge a change in direction from Labour. The question now is whether this shift will be sustained, or if the party returns to its old ways.

I'm loving Labour's new vibe ! It's about time they started taking their supporters seriously . Those early-years provisions are a total game-changer for families struggling to make ends meet . By supporting poorer families and providing resources like Best Start hubs, Labour is tackling child poverty head-on . And let's be real, taxing the wealthy isn't exactly a new idea . The gov't needs to step up their game if they wanna compete with this kind of forward thinking . Fingers crossed Labour can keep the momentum going and actually deliver on those promises . Maybe for once we'll get some real progress?

Ugh, I'm so tired of politicians making promises and then breaking them . Remember when they introduced that pay rise for nurses? Yeah, we're still waiting on that one . Now they're lifting the two-child limit and introducing early-years provision... finally! But let's not get too hyped just yet . What's going to happen to these initiatives once Labour loses the election? Are they just going to disappear into thin air? I'm just skeptical at this point . Can't trust them until they prove it

I'm not sure if it's just me but have you ever stopped to think about how societal expectations shape our perception of 'progress'? Like, we're all hyped that Labour is finally doing what its supporters want, but is that really a good thing? Are we settling for the bare minimum because it's easier than advocating for real change?

And let's not forget that this shift in direction might just be a calculated move to win votes. It's like, they're checking all the right boxes without actually challenging the systemic issues. I mean, what does it say about our society that we're more concerned with Labour doing the bare minimum than actual policy changes?

I'm so glad to see Labour finally listening to its supporters! Lifting that two-child limit was a game-changer for families struggling financially. It's about time we started prioritizing our most vulnerable citizens . Early-years provision is a huge step forward, and I love the idea of Best Start family hubs - it's like they're saying "we've got your back" . The government might be slow to respond, but at least they're not ignoring the problem altogether . It'll be interesting to see if other parties can match Labour's commitment to this issue... fingers crossed for a positive change !

I'm loving how Labour is finally taking action on early childhood education ! I've got two kids myself, and I know firsthand how hard it is for parents to provide a stable home life when you're struggling financially. The lifting of the two-child limit is a huge deal, and I just hope they follow through with implementing those family hubs – our community really needs that kind of support . As for the Liberal Dems and Greens, I think their criticism of the government's Brexit policies is well-deserved, but we'll have to wait and see if they can translate that into actual policy changes . One thing's for sure though – Labour's on the right track here, so fingers crossed they keep it up!

They finally did it! Lifting that two-child limit was like taking a big step out of their comfort zone, showing they're willing to listen and adapt. And introducing early-years provision? Mind blown . I'm loving the emphasis on poverty, parental exhaustion, and screen time being major contributors to this issue – about time we acknowledge these aren't just social issues but actual problems that need solving . The Best Start family hubs are a game-changer too - it's not just about throwing money at the problem, they're actually investing in our kids' futures .

OMG I'm literally so hyped about labour's new policies!!! They're finally listening to their supporters and making changes that actually make sense! Lifting the two-child limit is a HUGE deal and it's about time they did something to help families struggling with poverty. I'm all for taxing the wealthy to fund these initiatives, it's only fair that we invest in our most vulnerable citizens . The fact that labour's opponents are struggling to come up with a good response shows that labour is on the right track . Can't wait to see if they can sustain this shift and actually deliver on their promises!

I mean, it's about time someone listened to their base, right? But let's not get too hyped just yet... I think we need to see some real progress on implementing these initiatives before we can start celebrating. Like, when are they actually gonna make this happen? It's one thing to promise change and another to deliver it. And what about the rest of us who aren't struggling to make ends meet? Why should our taxes be used to bail out those in need? It's all well and good that Labour is finally doing what they're supposed to be doing, but we need to see some substance behind this promise.

I'm so down with Labour's new approach! They've finally started listening to their supporters and it's about time . But let's get real, lifting the two-child limit is just a drop in the ocean compared to the bigger picture here - we need systemic change, not just band-aid solutions . I'm all for supporting families in need, but what about addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality? It's easy to promise more when you're in power . Can Labour back it up with concrete policies that tackle these deeper issues? That's the real test .

idk about labour's new moves... some good stuff like lifting the two-child limit, but others are just more of the same... like what's the point of early-years provision if it's not gonna be funded properly? and what's with the best start family hubs? seems like another bandaid solution to a bigger problem. the gov's response is definitely lacking, but labour's not perfect either... it's all about finding that sweet spot between making changes and being realistic about what can actually get done

I think it's about time someone at the helm of our government showed some actual care for those who really need help . The state of early childhood education in the UK has been a disaster for far too long, and Labour's new policies are a step in the right direction .

I mean, let's be real, poverty, exhaustion, and screen time addiction are not exactly ideal conditions for little ones to grow up with . By supporting poorer families financially, Labour is tackling some of the root causes of this issue and helping prevent lifelong harm .

It's also a big win for parents who can now access more support and resources for their kids . And let's not forget about the Best Start family hubs – that's some serious investment in our future .

Now, I know some people might say taxing the rich is unfair or regressive, but honestly, it's just basic human decency to look out for those who need it most . And if Labour can make a compelling case for why this matters, then all the more power to them .

The question is, will this shift be sustained? Can Labour really keep their promises and actually make a difference in people's lives? Only time will tell, but so far, I'm feeling pretty optimistic .

I'm feeling super relieved that Labour's finally started making moves on child poverty . It's like they're taking those promises from years ago and actually doing something about it! They know how messed up our early childhood education system is, and they're trying to fix it with some real support for families - lifting the two-child limit, funding Best Start hubs... it's all about giving vulnerable kids a fighting chance . And you're right, the government's response has been super weak on this one . The Lib Dems and Greens are still shouting about Brexit and whatnot, but Labour's just getting stuff done . Fingers crossed they keep going in this direction, it's about time we see some real change

omg I'm so down with labour's recent moves! it's about time they listened to their supporters and started making a real difference for families struggling to make ends meet. lifting the two-child limit is just the beginning - let's see them follow through on all these promises

I'm loving how Labour is finally listening to their supporters and making some much-needed changes . They're tackling child poverty head-on and investing in our young ones, which can't come soon enough . It's about time someone took action on this crisis - it's not like the government has been doing a great job so far .

I'm all for Labour taxing the wealthy to fund these initiatives - we need to make sure everyone contributes fairly and looks out for those who can't look out for themselves . It's not that hard, right? And let's be real, the Liberal Dems and Greens have been trying to say this stuff for ages... it's nice to see Labour getting on board .

I'm keeping an eye on how well this shift in direction plays out - will they stick to their promises or go back to being all over the place ? Fingers crossed it's a positive change and we get some real progress on child poverty .

finally! labour's been quiet for ages but they're making some decent moves on child poverty. lifting that two-child limit thingy was overdue tbh, and them early-years provisions? sounds like a solid start. now let's see if they can actually make it stick

I don’t usually comment but I gotta say, it's been ages since we've seen any real progress on early childhood education. The recent stuff from Labour sounds like a breath of fresh air . Targeting families in need with financial support is a great move and it's about time we start putting our most vulnerable kids first .

I also love the idea of Best Start family hubs - that's some solid, practical stuff right there . It shows Labour is willing to listen and get on with things, rather than just waiting around for someone else to fix it . And let's be real, taxing the wealthy isn't regressive, it's just basic fairness .

I'm not sure what the Liberal Democrats or Greens think they're going to bring to the table, but Labour is definitely showing us how it's done . Now we just gotta hope they can keep this momentum going and actually deliver on their promises .

I think it's about time someone listened to their own people! It's not like they were ignoring their base or anything . Seriously though, lifting that two-child limit and introducing early-years provisions are huge steps forward for Labour. They're tackling the root causes of child poverty and supporting families in need – it's a big deal .

Now, I'm all for fairness and equality, but taxing the wealthy to fund these initiatives doesn't sit right with everyone. Maybe they just haven't thought it through? Still, Labour's got this one covered, and their opponents are struggling to keep up .

I do worry about the Liberal Democrats and Greens though – will their messages resonate with voters? We'll have to see . And what about Reform? Their leadership is on shaky ground, but they need to stabilize that ship ASAP ️. Fingers crossed it works out for them!

I'm so stoked about the new move by Labour ! They're finally listening to their supporters and making some real changes . It's about time they addressed the crisis in early childhood education - those little ones deserve our best . I mean, who doesn't want a generation of kids that are well-read, social, and emotionally intelligent? The lifting of the two-child limit is a huge step forward, especially for low-income families . And let's be real, the government's response has been pretty meh . But Labour's opponents can't even get on board with their plan - that's gotta count for something . Can't wait to see if this new direction sticks !

I think it's about time someone took action on child poverty ... I mean, it's not like we're expecting miracles here, but lifting the two-child limit and introducing early-years provision are huge steps forward ... The government's response is so weak, it's like they're just checking boxes off a list ... We need to hold them accountable for actually making things happen ... I'm not saying Labour is perfect, but at least they're listening to their base and trying to do better