But the authors in this collection warn that building a genuinely child-friendly society will mean revisiting some of the most contentious areas for the left-public spending, tax and the politics of the family.

The children's agenda is central to Labour's distinctive vision of government and can help shift the centre ground of British politics by making a new popular case for state provision. But the authors in this collection warn that building a genuinely child-friendly society will mean revisiting some of the most contentious areas for the left - public spending, tax and the politics of the family. And whilst Labour has always supported women's rights to paid employment, the revolution in family life caused by working mothers poses new questions for our society.

Almost everyone agrees that children should have the best chances in life. But turning that aspiration into a reality involves some tough decisions for the government, for employers and for all of us. Talking about families does not mean advocating motherhood and apple pie, but it does mean thinking seriously about our priorities as a society.

The editors
Patrick Diamond is a Cabinet special adviser.

Sunder Katwala is General Secretary of the Fabian Society.

Meg Munn is MP for Sheffield Heeley and PPS to the Children's Minister Margaret Hodge.

Contributors
Louise Bamfield, Hetty Einzig, Phil Hope, Sally Prentice, Richard Reeves, Mary Riddell, Kate Stanley

Introduction: The new politics of the family

"Making Britain child friendly will require us to think outside of the image of children's issues as being about nurseries and primary schools. A child-centred society will also need parent-friendly workplaces which support the ability of both mothers and fathers to have fulfilling careers and family lives - rather than having to juggle the endlessly competing pressures"
— Cherie Booth QC, From the preface of Family Fortunes

Buy Family Fortunes: The new politics of childhood for £6.95, plus £1 p+p. ISBN: 0716306131