Fathers storm Parliament demanding better pat leave to help families and boost the economy
DOZENS of dads have stormed Parliament today, demanding Sir Keir Starmer fix the UK’s paternity leave.
Armed with buggies and babies, they handed over a letter signed by 3,000 fathers, calling on the PM to make good on his promises to back families.
The UK’s current offer for dads is the worst in Europe, with fathers eligible for just two weeks off at £184.03 a week or 90 per cent of their earnings – whichever is lower.
Backed by 28 Labour MPs, campaigners from The Dad Shift claim boosting paternity leave will not only help families but also boost the economy.
Labour MP Josh Simons, who is leading the campaign in Parliament, tells The Sun: “Thousands of working dads in my constituency were unable to spend time with their kids after birth.
“That is bad for dads, for their babies, but also for mums who are often quickly forced into becoming the primary carer.
“We must ensure we do not build a two tier system, where middle class dads support their partners and spend time with their kids, while working class dads are forced back to work days after their children are born.
“It was great to stand alongside so many fellow Labour MPs today, including Sectary of State Ian Murray, and call for changes to the law and the culture around paternity leave.”
George Gabriel, co-founder of the Dad Shift, also said: “Most working dads get just two weeks when a new baby arrives on less than half the minimum wage, self employed dads get nothing.
“No wonder dads are on the march for something better. We need a paternity leave policy that helps fathers show up when it matters most, that’s why we’re showing up at Parliament – kids and all – to ask Labour to back British Dads.”
“Two weeks might do for a nice trip to Spain, but for the birth of a child? Bonkers.”
The Government has pledged to complete a review of parental leave, including shared parental leave, within its first year in office.
Ministers also claim their Employment Rights Bill will provide day one rights to paternity leave for an additional 1.5 million parents.