At this Spring Conference Labour will be strengthening its long term commitment to supporting Britain’s hard-working families.

We can be proud that, after ten years in power and with record numbers of women elected to the House of Commons; the Scottish Parliament; the Welsh Assembly and Local Councils, the issues that matter most to them and their nearest and dearest have been consistently high on the Government’s agenda.

Thanks to these female politicians, and the men who work with them, more than 6 million parents and carers in this country now have the right to request flexible working; there are twice as many registered childcare places than there were in 1997; maternity leave is now up to nine months long; paternity leave has been introduced and Britain has its first-ever national minimum wage. This last measure has helped to lift many families out of poverty and, thanks to Labour’s good economic management; its investment in education; its improvements in health care; its commitment to law and order and the building of more affordable homes things are getting better for families across the country.

However, there is still much more to be done. That is why the decisions we take in Birmingham this spring matter so much. They will help to shape our lives and those closest to us. As Deputy Minister for Women and Equalities I am working with colleagues across government to make sure that families have enough time and money to bring up their children; care for their older and disabled relatives and get the support they need and deserve from local services.

But, Government cannot do everything. People at all levels have to get involved too. Together, we can make a real difference and I know that, with your help, we will.