Mrs Sharon Hodgson

Mrs Sharon Hodgson

Labour — Washington and Gateshead South

Speaking in the House of Commons on 4 September 2026

Debate

Infants, Parents and Carers Bill

Contribution

It was; those were dark days. That is why I was so glad and grateful to hear the right hon. Member for New Forest West acknowledge how wrong it was that the coalition Government allowed that to happen. As we know, the former Prime Minister and then Member for Witney’s pre-election promise to protect Sure Start never held true—quite the opposite. Those savage cuts were truly a tragedy for children everywhere. I agree with the then Member for Sheffield Hallam and Deputy Prime Minister in the coalition Government, who said that Sure Start was “one of the best things the last Government” had done. It was a shame he was not able to protect it from cuts, even as Deputy Prime Minister. I am sure he tried; I acknowledge that I am sure the Lib Dems did try.

More from Mrs Sharon Hodgson

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Mrs Sharon Hodgson's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Mrs Sharon Hodgson report card.