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One of Westminster's most influential think-tanks, the Centre for Social Justice, has announced the appointment of two leading Labour figures, David Blunkett and Frank Field, to join the organisation's Advisory Council.
David Blunkett, who serbed as Secretary of State for Education, Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, will co-chair the Advisory Council, which meets twice a year to provide ongoing support, strategic advice and input into the work of the Centre.
Confirming the move, Mr Blunkett said: "I'm very pleased to be joining with colleagues from all politicla parties and none to form the Centre for Social Justice's Advisory Council. We face continuing challenges in this country when it comes to make sure that every child has the chance to grow up free from poverty and deprivation, strengthening our communities and putting people in control of their own lives.
"No one party or group has a monopoly of wisdom on these subjects; and I am firmly of the view that we should spend more time thinking about the ideas, rather than where the ideas come from.
"This is a moment in time when it is possible to engage with a wider audience than the usual political elite in a debate about where Britain will go following the coalition's deficit reduction strategy - and the redefining and restructuring of the relationship between the State and the individual, the market and public service ethos."
Gavin Poole, Executive Director of the CSJ, said: "I am delighted to welcome two such respected and dedicated figures to our Advisory Council. Mr Blunkett and Mr Field have shown dedication to improving the lives of the most vulnerable in society, and I have absolutely no doubt that they will have a positive influence on our direction.
"The CSJ has always put solutions ahead of politics, and we have worked with people from across the political spectrum in doing this. We have had policies adopted by Labour and the coalition government, and we will continue to put effective poverty-fighting solutions ahead of partisan politics.
"These new appointments will help ensure that the CSJ continues to look ahead at the challenges of the future, and responds with evidence-based solutions that make a real difference to those that need help."
