Starmer to embrace ‘nanny state’ with plan for toothbrushing in schools
www.theguardian.com
Labour leader hits out at perceived criticism as he attacks Tory record on child health

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/6562239

Keir Starmer has said he is “up for the fight” of defending the “nanny state” as he announced plans to improve child health under a Labour government, including supervised toothbrushing in schools.

The Labour leader said that children were “probably the biggest casualty” of the Tories’ sticking-plaster approach to politics over the past 14 years, adding that, if the government were a parent, they could be charged with neglect.

“I know that we need to take on this question of the nanny state,” he told reporters. “The moment you do anything on child health, people say ‘you’re going down the road of the nanny state.’ We want to have that fight.”

Ahead of a visit to a children’s hospital, Starmer criticised the Tories’ record on child health. “They’re probably the biggest casualty of sticking-plaster politics in the last 14 years,” he said. “Frankly, if parents had treated children as badly as the UK government has, they would probably be charged with neglect. It’s that bad.”

  • @robocallEnglish
    32•6 months ago

    the number one reason for young children being admitted to hospital is to extract rotten teeth

    that’s sad. A kid’s smile is a huge part of their identity. Rotten teeth are fairly simple to prevent for many children. I support giving children a free toothbrush, maybe some toothpaste, teaching them healthy brushing habits. It’s hard to comprehend someone claiming teaching dental hygiene is nanny state.

    • Carighan MaconarEnglish
      12•6 months ago

      Yeah I was about to say this sounds like bullshit, but if parental supervision and guidance on toothbrushing has become so bad, this might be a good idea, aye.

      • BakkodaEnglish
        4•6 months ago

        Their diets have become trash, literally.