Stronger families are key to happy childhood - Brooke

6.16.56pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 20th Sep 2006

(L-R) Children's Commissioner for England: Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green and Barnardo's Chief Executive: Martin Narey with Annette Brooke MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Children, Young People and Families

Local MP, Annette Brooke, has asserted that stronger relationships within the family are vital for ensuring happy and fulfilled childhoods for young people in the UK.

Annette, the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Children, Young People and Families, has been speaking at several key events on childhood at this year's party conference in Brighton. These include a debate on children's policy organised by Barnardo's, and the launch of The Children's Society's 'Good Childhood Inquiry'.

'The Good Childhood Inquiry' is the UK's first independent national inquiry into childhood, and will ask both young people and professionals about what it means to be a child in modern times and what can be done to improve their quality of life.

Annette Brooke said:

"I greatly welcome this opportunity to hear from children and young people all across our country. From The Children's Society's initial research, it is clear that family relationships play a crucial role in the well-being of our young people.

"The Liberal Democrats' new policy paper 'Stronger Families, Brighter Futures' provides an excellent starting point for developing relationships within the family, enabling us to listen better to what children are saying."

Bob Reitemeier, Chief Executive of The Children's Society said:

"There is clearly a mood in the UK that as a society we have got some important things wrong about childhood. We need to turn this into positive action. The Good Childhood Inquiry is a chance for everyone to share in creating a new vision for childhood for the 21st century. We need the views of everyone across all generations, skills and disciplines. And we need to start with the views of children."

Annette has been busy throughout this conference week, meeting with organisations and individuals who are trying to address the varied needs of children and young people across the country. Yesterday Annette spoke at the Barnardo's debate on the direction of children's policy, alongside their Chief Executive Martin Narey, and the Children's Commissioner for England, Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green.

Annette Brooke said:

"I was delighted to be part of the Barnardo's policy debate, and to hear from our very first Children's Commissioner for England. Both Barnardo's and Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green are doing sterling work to highlight how much progress is yet to be made to help children and young people as they meet the challenges of modern-day living."