I took part in the 10^th anniversary of the Pilgrimage Against Poverty which made its way from Newcastle to Jarrow on Sunday 18th October. 

The 10^th anniversary march, which commemorates the original walk from Iona to Westminster, is part of the Get Fair campaign, co-ordinated by Church Action on Poverty, aimed at securing decent wages and minimum living standards, affordable housing and decent neighbourhoods, plus fair access to services, without discrimination.

I joined fellow pilgrims at Pelaw where they then marched to Hebburn where he met Roman Catholic Bishop Seamus Cunningham, Head of the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside Councillor Tom Pigott and his wife Alma, Father Martin Stempczyk and other Church Leaders and Membe

I then accompanied the marchers to Jarrow where they continued to St Bede’s RC Church, Jarrow for the closing celebration which was organised in partnership with Jarrow Churches Together.   

I was delighted to take part in this year’s Pilgrimage Against Poverty event as part of its 10^th anniversary celebrations. 

The Government is fully committed to ending child poverty by 2020. Of course, this is a big challenge, especially in light of the current economic downturn, but it is not one we will shy away from. We will continue to do everything we can to support hard-pressed families now and in the future.