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Infant Feeding 2025-07-01
01 July 2025
Lead MP
Jess Brown-Fuller
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
EconomyEmployment
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Jess Brown-Fuller raised concerns about infant feeding 2025-07-01 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
It is a pleasure to bring this Adjournment debate to the Chamber on a topic close to my heart. I refer hon. Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests as the Chair of the all-party parliamentary group for infant feeding. When the Secretary of State for Health promised to create the “healthiest generation ever”, it was a bold and admirable ambition, but there is little substance in the critical years from birth to three when it comes to policy around infant feeding. The hon. Member highlights how important it is to have that community-based support in an area. Unfortunately, not every mother across the UK can say the same.
Maya Ellis
Lab
Ribble Valley
Breastfeeding is a full-time job. Only last week, Carrie Johnson, the wife of one of our former Prime Ministers, highlighted how easy it is to neglect your own needs as a mother while breastfeeding.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Northern Ireland had the top score—69.5 out of 100—among UK nations and has already put policies in place to encourage breastfeeding among those mothers who are able to do so.
Connor Rand
Lab
Altrincham and Sale West
When my partner had difficulties with breastfeeding, she accessed a breastfeeding support clinic in my constituency at Meadway health centre, which was a huge source of support and benefit to her.
Samantha Niblett
Lab
South Derbyshire
In South Derbyshire, I hear stories of services to support breastfeeding women being cut. We need to see safe spaces across the board for all parents who are feeding.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
In my constituency, I have a similar group called Exmouth Bosom Buddies, which does a fantastic job that we know relieves pressure on the NHS.
David Chadwick
Lib Dem
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Pays tribute to the midwives of Powys teaching health board for their work supporting new mothers.
Danny Chambers
Lib Dem
Winchester
Reiterates the importance of gestation and the first six months in long-term health outcomes for children.
Ashley Dalton
Lab
Derbyshire Dales
Supports the lead MP's call for better integration of services for new mothers, highlighting the importance of universal health visiting and the National Breastfeeding Helpline.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledges the importance of infant feeding support and recognises the challenges faced by new parents. She highlights the need to improve access to community-based support groups, acknowledging that not every mother across the UK has this option available. The Government are committed to improving services and ensuring that all parents have access to informed choices about infant feeding methods. They will continue to work with stakeholders to address the issues raised regarding formula companies' marketing practices and the financial burden on families. Acknowledges the concerns raised about infant feeding and marketing practices. Confirms that breastfeeding is critical to a baby’s healthy growth, and families need quality services and trustworthy information. Commits to supporting mothers who wish to breastfeed by addressing complex barriers they face. Emphasises the importance of midwives and maternity services in preparing and supporting families during pregnancy and beyond. Mentions an increase of over 1,300 full-time equivalent midwives since April 2024 and plans for a refreshed workforce plan. Announces the launch of a national independent investigation into maternity and neonatal care to recommend actions by December. A national taskforce will then co-produce a national plan to drive improvement. Highlights the importance of health visitors in supporting families transitioning from maternity services to community care, despite declines in numbers. Committed to strengthening health visiting services so that all families can access support. We have provided £18.5 million this year to improve infant feeding support across 75 local authorities in England, aiming to offer seamless and tailored support through family hubs, hospitals, and the voluntary sector. Local authorities are embedding infant feeding strategies with partners, building up workforces, and training staff to identify complex needs early. Although long-term evaluation is needed, there are promising findings such as increased breastfeeding rates in Coventry. We also help families access 24-hour support through the National Breastfeeding Helpline. Recognising that not all families can or choose to breastfeed, we welcome the CMA report into the UK infant and follow-on formula market, which highlights issues around brand reputation and price influence on parent choices. The Government supports the CMA's recommendations to eliminate brand influence in healthcare settings, provide better information for parents in retail settings, strengthen labelling and advertising rules, and ensure effective enforcement of regulations. We aim to have a UK-wide response available as soon as possible, considering these alongside colleagues in the devolved Governments.
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