While we struggle over the battles of sequestration and fiscal cliffs, we ignore the growth of poverty.

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The Institute for Fiscal Studies, for example, estimates that child poverty will rise by about 200, 000 over the next four years as a direct result of the government's tax and benefit changes.

BBC: God, poverty and the government

But the Institute for Fiscal Studies predicted in December that the welfare shake-up would increase relative child poverty figures by 200, 000 in 2012-13 and 2013-14.

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The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates the stagnating economy will also push a further 600, 000 children into poverty.

BBC: News - Today - Families 'will see biggest fall in living standards since 1970s'

By committing to fiscal discipline, are member States making the current recession even worse, dragging Europe into a spiral of poverty and despair?

FORBES: Europe Suffers A Failure On The Part Of Its Leaders To Lead