Following a row with Stella Creasy (Labour MP), Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Commons Speaker has granted his blessing for new parents to bring their children into the chamber.
Sir Lindsay stated that it was up to the individual in the chair, either him or one his deputies to decide whether an infant disrupts proceedings.
Unrest erupted in November after Ms. Creasy was censured because she was carrying Pip (then three months) while she was speaking during a debate.
She said that she was allowed to participate in previous debates while he was wearing a sling. Authorities were more relaxed.
Although she has the option to take time off for maternity with full-time pay, she believes that current Commons rules prevent her constituents from being fully represented when she’s off.
Sir Lindsay, who has asked the cross-party Procedure Committee to examine the rules and whether changes were needed, told the Telegraph today his view was that the ‘chair on the day has got to make a decision’.
He referred to Ms Creasy’s son and said, “I saw that child come into the Chamber while I was the Chair.” It did affect the discussion? No. Did it seem peaceful? Absolutely. Was it disruptive? No. Did it really matter to you? No.
The Walthamstow MP Pip was not allowed to be with her in spite of it having been permitted previously (pictured).
Sir Lindsay Hoyle has previously stated that he was ‘heavily lobby’ to not change regulations in the wake of a dispute over Stella Creasy’s ban.
“What would I say? I won’t lie to you. Each chair will make the decision.
“Unfortunately, it has become extremely political.
“It’s now up to others to make that decision, and that’s why we are reviewing it. Then, I’ll have to accept (that) decision.
Some MPs suggested that rules be made easier for moms with small children. Downing Street was supportive of her position.
Others have accused her, however, of being ‘grandstanding’. A YouGov poll revealed that most Britons think MPs shouldn’t be permitted to bring babies into the chamber.
After being emailed about the rules against bringing children into debates following Pip’s entry to a Westminster Hall debate, Ms Creasy welcomed the review.
The Walthamstow MP Ms Creasy said she hopes the move ‘means some of these rules will be reviewed to make parenting and politics possible to mix’.
Pip (who is breastfeeding) has attended regularly the Commons along with Ms Creasy’s older child.
On Twitter, she answered that she couldn’t leave Pip at the Parliamentary Nursery, which is Good by Ofsted and cares for children from birth until five.
“Dad needs to accompany me to the hospital now without any maternity insurance to protect Walthamstow.”
Dan Fox is Ms Creasy’s former director of Labour Friends of Israel.
Her two previous children were her son and daughter. She was also able to take part in Commons debates while she was carrying the other.
Scott Benton from Red Wall Tory, Red Wall Tory MP for Scott Creasy, criticised Ms Creasy and asked why her son had to go to work.
Blackpool South MP explained that parents are only paid half of the amount they pay to care for their children and have to balance other responsibilities in order to go work.
“What is it that makes you unique?”
Ms Creasy responded later, commenting: “We don’t possess employment rights so don’t need maternity insurance to be able juggling. Therefore, I have to take my baby along.
“But it’s great to see your support of ensuring that mothers are able to be involved in politics. I guess being against women’s choice is in your genes.
Mumsnet users had a split on this issue, some suggesting that they won’t bring a baby along to their business meetings while others stated Ms Creasy was simply ‘highlighting an essential point’.
YouGov’s poll showed that 49% believed Ms Creasy was wrong and 35% disagreed.