Despite us being one of the richest economies in the world, widening inequalities in the UK are plain to see if you open your eyes. Figures and experience show child poverty is increasing as is homelessness. Holiday hunger clubs, food banks and food donation points in our supermarkets are helping families to make ends meet. According to the Office for National Statistics, the gap in life expectancy between the richest and poorest areas in England and Wales has widened too.

There are things we should celebrate; the UK is one of the safest places in the world for children to grow up and we are better at recognising the vulnerability of children and young people who are being exploited than we were a few years ago. Though, at our peril we ignore increasing disparities in our society.