Call for end to child poverty

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More than 10,000 gathered in Trafalgar Square in London for the rally to highlight the plight of nearly four million children who live below the poverty line in the UK.

The rally was hosted by former EastEnders actor Chris Parker who led the crowd in shouting: "listen up Downing Street, keep the promise". Meanwhile, pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor entertained supporters who marched from Millbank to Trafalgar Square.

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress addressed the crowd and also called on the Government to pledge £3 billion to end the suffering of the 3.9 million children who live in poverty.

"We stand here ... in the shadow of South Africa House which is inscribed with the words 'Good Hope'. We are here ... with good hope that the Government will eradicate child poverty by 2020."

He added: "This has got to be at the top of the agenda. At a time when the Government has been able to find tens and tens of millions to support the financial system and the bankers I think it is time we found the £3 billion to deliver on that commitment."

Mr Parker told the crowd: "This is the last chance the Government has to make that commitment in 2009. It's not much to ask, to keep that promise."

He said it was the biggest event to end child poverty held in the UK.

Jasmine Whitbread, chief executive of Save The Children, was joined on stage by Shameless actor David Threlfall. She said: "Children in poverty have a 10 year less life expectancy than anyone else. With your help we can keep the pressure on the Government to end child poverty."

Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Chris Grayling who joined the march and rally said: "Child poverty is an increasing worry in this country, particularly as the numbers involved are increasing year on year. (The) rally will be a big reminder to the Government and other politicians of how important the issue of child poverty is."