Group of mothers start 24 hour hunger strike in Plymouth

A group of mothers from the West Country are starting a 24 hour hunger strike today to protest against child poverty.

Women from across the region are gathering in Plymouth to demand the government address child hunger.

Emma Hopkins, organiser of the Mothers Manifesto movement, says, “In cities across the UK, we see mothers and fathers making impossible choices every day - skipping meals to feed their children, cutting back on essentials and still coming up short. We cannot stand by while families suffer. We are calling on the government to act now and to address the structural inequality driving food poverty.”

Today's event coincides with the release of the group's 'Pink Paper', which they say is an evidence-based policy document 'highlighting the systemic failures that are exacerbating hunger in the UK and around the world'. They are urging mothers to take part in their local hunger strikes, attend the Westminster demonstration, and sign the Manifesto to demand urgent action.

Hopkins adds, “We need people across the UK to rise up and demand the changes that will make a real difference for families. This isn’t just about food - this is about justice for every mother and every child who deserves the security and support they need to thrive.”

The government says its child poverty task force is building an ambitious strategy to give children the best start in life alongside an increase in living wage and an uprate in benefits.