British women MPs[/B] will not be allowed to bring their babies into meetings of parliament, a rules review committee, the House of Commons Procedure Committee, ruled today.
Works as a deterrent for some female candidates
The ruling is expected to spark a debate about whether the working culture in parliament works as a deterrent for some female parliamentary candidates.
In recent years this has included not only the issue of the compatibility or incompatibility of parenthood with the role of MP, but also the long-standing issues of sexual harassment and diversity.
The ruling nevertheless acknowledges that in the past babies have been brought into the chamber without causing disruption, but notes nonetheless that existing regulations should be enforced.
New Zealand and Australia
The Commission's recommendation places Britain outside the modernisation process taking place in other countries.
While some other countries' parliaments still do not allow MPs to bring their babies, others - such as those in New Zealand and Australia - have changed rules to allow MPs to feed their babies in the chamber.
The commission's recommendation follows a call for a review made by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, for a review of the rules following the Stella Creasy incident, who was told in November 2021 that it was against the rules to bring one's baby into the chamber.
Outdated regulations
Responding to the committee's revised proposal, Creasy commented: "I am not surprised that they do not recognise who is being discouraged from Parliament by the antiquated regulations, the approach to women who have children and the need for modernisation."
"This Commission has not spoken to a single person outside of Parliament even though many of us have encouraged its members to do so," said Creasy in a statement.
Prime Minister's spokesman Boris Johnson said the government was committed to an inclusive parliament but regulations were a matter for parliamentary authorities.
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