Caritas in the UK is inviting Catholics in England and Wales to place the needs of children and youth at the centre of the electoral campaign for the next elections in the spring. During a meeting with representatives of the three most important parties, Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, held in the British Parliament in early February, Caritas presented a manifesto “Room for Improvement”, dedicated to the needs of children, and appealed to Catholic charities to use it as a point of reference. The document’s most important recommendations include: granting to the children of refugees the same rights of protection and support enjoyed by other children and a minimum wage for all families that may ensure the health and well-being of children. The series of recommendations also includes the suggestion that children who get into trouble with the law be treated as children who have a need for support and that the improvement of the conditions of life of those entrusted to the welfare system through an improvement in their education become a priority. The main speakers at the meeting were Lord Filkin, parliamentary secretary of state for children and the family, Theresa May, ‘shadow minister’ for the family, representing the Conservative party, and Annette Brook, ‘shadow minister’ for children representing the Lib Dems. “I will vote for the candidates that place children at the centre of their priorities”, said Jim Richards, director of the Catholic Children Society.
