The Maternity Allowance Bill - Clause 1 and Amendment 3

With this it will be convenient to discuss several other amendments, including Amendment 4 which extends the period of paid maternity absence from 6 to 12 months. The intention is to ensure a longer period for maternity leave, supporting new mothers and ensuring continuity of provision with a requirement for the Paymaster General to lay before Parliament draft regulations.

I thank my right hon. Friend the Minister for her references to my amendments and for engaging constructively to try to work through to a solution, notwithstanding the constraints of the legislation with which she is working. I am not minded to press the amendment if it is not a suitable way to deal with this issue.

She argues that the legislation should be extended beyond just addressing maternity leave, to include broader equality issues and impact assessments. She highlights the importance of supporting fathers equally and the need for equalities impact assessment to recognise discrimination faced by women in public life.

Intervened, citing a case where his staff member was pressurized due to lack of cover during maternity leave. He supports the need for equalities impact assessment and parity across different levels of government.

Intervened to discuss proxy voting and its potential to tether women to their jobs during maternity leave. She supports the need for flexibility and equality of parental leave.

Agreed with Stella Creasy's points, emphasising that MPs are arguably never off given social media and email demands during maternity leave.

Supported the amendments proposed by Stella Creasy, highlighting the importance of equality in parental leave to help break through gender inequality barriers.

Mr. Loder intervenes to disagree with an earlier speaker's claim that MPs are struggling financially in comparison to other citizens, arguing that Parliament supports its members and should not give the impression otherwise.

Ms. Winterton orders the debate to remain focused on Ministers rather than straying into issues concerning Members of Parliament, reminding the House that the Bill is about Ministers and not MPs.

The speaker supports the amendment, emphasising the need for compassion in legislation. She discusses her personal experience with a stillbirth at 21 weeks and argues that such losses should be recognised even before 24 weeks of pregnancy. She highlights issues such as maternity discrimination, stress during pregnancy, and post-natal depression.

She supports the amendment but argues it should be expanded to cover paternity and adoption leave. She mentions her personal experience as a police officer where parental leave policies evolved over time, emphasising that financial support is crucial for working parents.

Intervened to congratulate the speaker on her upcoming role as step-granny and highlighted that one-third of women go into debt due to maternity leave, emphasising the need for an equalities impact assessment.

Intervened to mention the difficulties faced by Jo Swinson during her pregnancy and the broader implications of lack of proxy voting, emphasising the need for better support systems in Parliament.

Acknowledged that MPs receive a good financial package during maternity leave but emphasised the importance of ensuring wider societal benefits from such provisions.

Argues against the SNP's amendment, stating it would remove women's choice regarding maternity leave. Supports the existing legislation as written, noting that flexibility is crucial for pregnant women. Acknowledges the importance of equality but believes the Bill, despite imperfections, is a step towards true equality.

Advocates for parliamentary time to debate employment status issues, urging the Paymaster General to ensure that any views offered by IPSA are considered. She also seeks clarity on whether the impact assessment will cover not just Members of Parliament but their staff.

Acknowledges the dry nature of clause 1 but agrees with its importance. Highlights the significance of considering prime ministerial patronage limits, particularly in light of recent Parliaments with small majorities.

Questions whether unpaid Ministers in the House of Lords have been considered in this legislation, especially regarding their daily allowance and salary status.

Explained that the amendment moved by Kirsten Oswald was not to be called due to her absence and her indication to withdraw it. Also, concluded several clauses and reported the bill without amendment.

Asked for clarification on when the Prime Minister would make a statement regarding the roadmap out of lockdown, questioning whether it would be feasible to have such a statement before Easter.