Expert accuses politicians of choosing not to reduce child poverty

Professor Sir Michael Marmot accused those in charge of blaming high taxes for inaction.

Professor Sir Michael Marmot said politicians could choose to reduce child poverty (UCL Institute of Health Equity/PA) (PA Media)

Politicians could act to reduce child poverty but choose not to and lie about it, a leading public health expert has said.

Professor Sir Michael Marmot said those in charge could spend more on children in their early year but they do not, blaming high taxes.

Sir Michael, who led a government review into health inequalities in England in 2010, said he is “so tired” of hearing politicians talk about Britain’s tax levels as he insisted the UK is a low tax country.