This week 27 years ago, a Labour government introduced the minimum wage. At the time, the voices of the status quo lined up against it, but Labour made a choice: to stand up for working people. My government is doing the same.

On Monday, the biggest strengthening of workers’ rights in a generation comes into force. For the first time, workers gain day-one rights to statutory sick pay and paternity leave. No one should be forced to choose between their health and their wages, or miss those first precious days with their child because of insecurity at work.

We are increasing the state pension, putting more money in the pockets of millions of people who have worked hard all their lives. And we have abolished the two-child benefit cap. That is one of the proudest moments of this Labour government. Because it will lift nearly half a million children out of poverty. It means fuller cupboards, less anxiety at the end of the month, and a fairer start in life for children who had no say in the circumstances........

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