Babies have no place in the chamber. I’ve asked to leave debates to feed my child a few times and have never been turned down. This is a debate about childcare that is wrongly being presented as one of rights and representation.
Is this a question of being banned from doing our jobs unless babies are allowed? No. The ultimate way MPs have their say is when we vote. New mums have proxy voting for six months, where we tell someone else how we want to vote each time so we don’t have to be in parliament.
But what about MP mums wanting to take part in debates? You can — I came into parliament for a few crucial debates while my baby was under six months. Every time I arranged childcare and in the few debates when I had to step out during proceedings to feed the baby, everyone supported me.
This isn’t a question of facilities in parliament. There’s a family room in parliament to feed your baby right near the chamber.
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