A Labour MP has admitted the UK is “frankly s**t” for millions of British adults wanting to raise children.
Makerfield MP Josh Simons, who was appointed as a Cabinet Office Minister in Sir Keir Starmer’s September reshuffle, claimed it is “impossible” to have children and save for a home.
In a social media post, the 32-year-old father-of-two said: “Birth rate is big problem for UK.
“Needs more attention. But why are we surprised? I can vouch (two kids under five and a third on the way) – impossible to have kids and save for a home.
“I’m an MP, got a PhD, etc. For many, kids and financial insecurity makes 20s, 30s and 40s, frankly, s**t.”
Despite highlighting the struggles facing young people when it comes to home ownership, Mr Simons bought a property in Wigan after returning from spending a stint in the US.
The Makerfield MP, who earns £93,904 a year, has also claimed £27,324.96 in expenses to cover his London rent since winning his seat in the 2024 General Election.
Mr Simons posted his comments in response to fresh reports about the spiralling costs of childcare in Britain.
Makerfield MP Josh Simons was appointed as a Cabinet Office Minister in Sir Keir Starmer’s September reshuffle
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Research conducted by MoneyFarm found parents spend £13,830 a year on their child from pregnancy until their 18th birthday.
Economists have warned that the rising costs have contributed to the falling birth rate in England and Wales, which hit a record low of 1.41 in 2025.
Housing costs have also had a profound impact, with England’s property affordability soaring from a score of 4.2 in 2000 to 7.7 last year.
While house prices jumped from around £80,000 in 2000, Britons now need to find £260,000.
Graduate salaries have failed to recover from a high point reached during the financial crash, with university leavers facing a four per cent drop since 2001.
The difficult economic situation facing Britain might explain recent emigration trends.
Britain lost more than 100,000 Britons aged 16 and 54 in the 12 months to March.
Meanwhile, Britons aged 55 and over returned to the UK, with net immigration among that group standing at 18,000 over the same period.
Sir Keir Starmer is slumping in the opinion polls
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Despite facing structural economic challenges, young people have also become increasingly sceptical about Labour’s ability to manage the economy.
YouGov found 67 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds and 71 per cent of 25 to 49-year-olds believe Sir Keir and his Chancellor Rachel Reeves are managing the economy badly.
Ms Reeves’s Budget, which hiked taxes by £26billion, could also exert more pressure on the pockets of millions of Britons.
The Chancellor’s decision to freeze income tax thresholds is expected to raise an extra £12.7billion by dragging more Britons into higher tax bands.
Student loan repayments, which the Chancellor froze on November 26, could also cost graduates nine per cent of their income.
Meanwhile, Britons looking to save more from their pay packets have seen their annual cash ISA limit drop from £20,000 to £12,000.
A similar problem is facing those hoping for a good retirement.
The Chancellor is launching a £4.8billion crackdown on salary sacrifice, meaning savings above £2,000 a year now face being taxed.