Children Webmag - Editorial

There have been a lot of articles in the British press about the Minister for Children, Margaret Hodge. The facts of the story are contained in brief in Cuttings. It is enough in this Editorial to state that some newspapers are calling for her resignation, mainly on grounds that date back many years. Margaret Hodge is a political fighter and she has no intention of going willingly. Moreover she has the backing of Tony Blair, who is renowned for emulating Margaret Thatcher in being “not for turning”, so the Minister will probably stay.

It is our view that this is not a bad thing, despite all the history. In the past, political arguments for meeting children’s needs were largely based upon concern for their welfare, anger at their suffering and other altruistic motives. There is nothing wrong with altruism, but in the tough competitive world of politics, persuading elected members to finance services has often ended up relying upon a sort of sentimental idealised concept of poor little children. When times get difficult, this is not a strong card.

We have moved into an era when children’s rights have been recognised more, but it may also prove to be a more hard-nosed era. The Labour Government is investing heavily in education and other services for children, but this is not just for altruistic reasons. In the twenty-first century, countries will only succeed economically if their workforces are skilled and motivated. We need children to be educated, to have ideas and invent, to apply themselves and work hard. Every child who fails is a drain on the economy. Investing in children makes good economic sense.

If the Minister for Children is in fact the Minister for Long-term Investment in Human Resources, the main requirement in the person specification is to be able to fight effectively for resources and to have a broad vision of children’s role and potential in society, not simply focusing on those who are vulnerable or have special needs.

Certainly, we will still need Ministers who are knowledgeable and concerned about children’s welfare. Baroness Cathy Ashton plays this role superbly, but the Minister for Children will need to be able to fight their corner economically as well as defend their rights as vulnerable little people. Margaret Hodge seems to have this quality, and her past failings should not prevent her from playing a key role now.

Just as Demetrious Panton, who has recently been making allegations about her, appears to have made good after a difficult childhood, so we should give Margaret Hodge a chance to make good. Politicians are human, and sometimes need the chance to think again. Let us judge Margaret Hodge on her performance as Minister. If she delivers for children and young people, all well and good.