To think taking a baby to Parliament is ridiculous?

[iawbuwes]

Stella Creasy MP taking her baby to the Commons - I think it is utterly ridiculous.

Everyone else has to find childcare. Labour have lost the plot and don’t seem to care what people think (I say this as a life long Labour vote who cannot stomach voting for Labour as it now is). Parliament even have a nursery! www.parliament.uk/about/working/nursery/

Didn’t there used to be a crèche in the House of Commons?

@Malibuismysecrethome

Didn’t there used to be a crèche in the House of Commons?

There still is but her baby isn’t old enough.

Yes. It is a sort of virtue signalling

I disagree. She wanted to do what she was elected to do - represent her constituents.

@JustLyra

You need to think about how ‘normals’ read it.

Wtf is a ‘normal’?

Those who are not in the Westminster Labour echo chamber

She doesn't want to take her baby to work!

She wants there to be a locum or remote arrangement to provide cover for Mps who are on leave, whether sick, maternity, paternity or compassionate leave.

What she is highlighting is that because there isn't a system in place she has to bring her baby with her.

And if she can't bring her baby. There is no alternative system. Then her constituency is not represented which isn't fair.

Most jobs I would consider it unreasonable for a small baby to be taken to work. Given there is not maternity leave cover in its traditional sense (electing an MP for a short period and then the original one returns), perhaps this should be one of the few exceptions.

Ok. How many men are taking their bottle fed babies to work?

Given that appearing in the House of Commons is only a small part of an MP's job ( most only turn up for PMQs or to ask a question) she could use a nanny/childminder.

I say again, if it's totally acceptable to take a baby to work if you're breastfeeding, then surely teachers, medics, builders , barristers, nail technicians, nurses and post delivery staff can take their EBF babies to work?

@Dishwashersaurous

She doesn't want to take her baby to work!

She wants there to be a locum or remote arrangement to provide cover for Mps who are on leave, whether sick, maternity, paternity or compassionate leave.

What she is highlighting is that because there isn't a system in place she has to bring her baby with her.

And if she can't bring her baby. There is no alternative system. Then her constituency is not represented which isn't fair.

The system is called ‘childcare’

@iawbuwes

@ wincarwoo more simplistic argument. No nanny, wasn’t alive in the 60s and do a demanding job. What about you, seeing you are so intrigued about me?

In that case I would have thought that you would know how much nannies cost.

And you could appreciate the arguments of others on here who make very valid points about the challenges of being an MP with no maternity leave.

Employers want generation after generation of workers. Without adequate provisions for childcare people won't be having many babies anymore.
Bringing babies to work is a good way to remind employers that if they want to stay in business they keep families in mind.

Well, I've known two lawyers, one a senior associate, the other a partner, who took their babies to work with them. There was a cot in the corner of their office.

[quote julieca]@NeverForgetYourDreams I am sorry you had to, that must have been hard.[/quote]
It was but we all adjusted quickly and he's now a strapping nearly 16 year old who adores me (when he's not having a strop)

The system is called ‘childcare

She shouldn’t have to use childcare when she should be on maternity leave

@Dishwashersaurous

She doesn't want to take her baby to work!

She wants there to be a locum or remote arrangement to provide cover for Mps who are on leave, whether sick, maternity, paternity or compassionate leave.

What she is highlighting is that because there isn't a system in place she has to bring her baby with her.

And if she can't bring her baby. There is no alternative system. Then her constituency is not represented which isn't fair.

Also she is highlighting that there was a system last time and it’s been removed.

I cannot believe that another woman would think or voice these thoughts about another woman!
Of course she should bring her very young baby! The baby should be with its Mum!

@LunaTheCat

I cannot believe that another woman would think or voice these thoughts about another woman! Of course she should bring her very young baby! The baby should be with its Mum!

Sadly, far too many people staunchly seem to believe a woman's place is in the wrong. Including far too many women.

@cunningplan101

I really don't get people who argue -

"She can only do this because she has privilege. I mean, I had to put my baby in a nursery as soon as it took its first breath. Straight out of the labour ward and over to the nanny. Who does she think she is?"

Because, if you resent that you had to put a very young child into nursery during what was is essentially its fourth trimester, who on earth do you think has the power to change that? Who can bring in laws to get women better rights and conditions? Or even legislation to bring down UK childcare costs so they're not among the most expensive in the world?

Bloody MPs!

And what life experience might make an MP more likely to empathise with and prioritise the rights of mothers?

Hm, perhaps recently giving birth?

But you want to make it more difficult for young women to become MPs. Because that'll help improve women's lot.

This.

You’re totally missing the point. Most people don’t or can’t leave their tiny baby (hers isn’t even 4months old!). She has to because otherwise her constituents won’t be represented in parliament because of antiquated rules. Basically MPs can’t really go on proper maternity leave. That’s why she’s bringing her baby in. She’d much rather be at home with her baby for 6 months but she can’t nominated anyone else do this for her.

It is not about noise or disruption it is the fact that she makes working mothers look like fools.

How? She took her baby to work to vote. No noise or disruption from the baby. She was a new mother, capably doing the job she was elected to do.

I agree. Parliament now has a nursery on site and the rest of the country isn’t allowed to take their baby to work.

@rossclare
Boris hasn’t taken his baby in to the commons in a sling
Which is a shame as if he did he’d actually be making a positive contribution to society, something he’s really struggled at in his professional roles.

Imagine earning over £80k a year and moaning about having to pay for childcare.

@PinkMochi

Imagine earning over £80k a year and moaning about having to pay for childcare.

Well she isn't so there's that.

She's breastfeeding and if she is in a situation where she is required to fulfill duties/ responsibilities , this need should be accommodated.
Surely we can accept this?