The group argues that the current policy is unjust and undemocratic because while members are denied access to maternity leave they are also barred from bringing their babies into debates. They also seek to highlight the likely stress and strain the current policy is causing to MPs like Creasy torn between their role as MPs and the need to care for their child.

Outcry over the censoring of Creasy has prompted the Speaker to call for a review into the current ban but it is known that several MPs have since written to him urging him to leave the policy unchanged. The coalition hopes to show that there is a majority in favour of upgrading parliament’s rule book.

The letter says:

“The current ban is injurious to democracy. The individual MPs affected by this ban are being placed in a double-bind: they are prohibited from accessing maternity cover but also prevented from participating in debates. This is unjust and unworkable.”

Urging the Speaker to support a change in the rules, the letter concludes:

“Like you we want parliament to provide the most welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment to its members. The current ban prohibiting MPs from bringing their babies into the Chamber represents a significant barrier to that ambition. Let us now make the choice to strengthen our democratic functions of our parliament and at the same time give the necessary care and support to its members.”

Full text of the letter with signatories:

Dear Mr Speaker,

We are writing to declare our support for the lifting of the ban which currently prevents Members of Parliament bringing their babies into the House of Commons.

The current ban is injurious to democracy. The individual MPs affected by this ban are being placed in a double-bind: they are prohibited from accessing maternity cover but also prevented from participating in debates. This is unjust and unworkable. It means that some MPs (primarily women) are being denied their ability to exercise their rights, leaving their constituents without effective representation.

The ban also deters more women from entering and remaining in parliament. The 2018 report into a Gender Sensitive Parliament found that many female MPs have been forced to retire from politics because they simply could not balance their roles as primary caregivers with the job of being an MP. This is a democratic deficit and at a time when only 1 in 3 MPs are women, one that must be addressed to achieve a diverse and representative politics. 

Like you we want parliament to provide the most welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment to its members. The current ban prohibiting MPs from bringing their babies into the Chamber represents a significant barrier to that ambition. Let us now make the choice to strengthen our democratic functions of our parliament and at the same time give the necessary care and support to its members. 

Signed: 

Jennifer Nadel, Compassion in Politics

Joeli Brearley, CEO and Founder, Pregnant then Screwed

Helen Pankhurst, Centenary Action Group

Hannah Stevens, Elect Her

Anna Birch, Fragments & Monuments performance and film company

Aisha Ali-Khan, campaigner and co-organiser of Women's March London

Bethan Sayed former MS (Senedd member)

Charlotte Gerada, Labour Councillor in Central Southsea, Portsmouth

George Fielding, Labour Councillor in Central Southsea, Portsmouth

Aimee Gwyther, Mental Health Recovery Worker

Maryam Eslamdoust, Kilburn Councillor and Former Mayor of Camden

Bee Rowlatt, Wollstonecraft Society 

Abbie Headon, author and editor

Jenny Walker, solicitor

Aoife Clements, 5050NI

Caroline Bernard, Young Women’s Trust

Jemima Olchawski, The Fawcett Society

Amelia Womack, Green Party Deputy Leader 

Sam Smethers, Former CEO of the Fawcett Society and Centenary Action Group Steering Committee.