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Women and Equality: North of England
05 November 2024
Lead MP
Mary Foy
City of Durham
Lab
Responding Minister
Not recorded
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Word Count: 3533
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Mary Foy raised concerns about women and equality: north of england in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
Key Requests to Government:
The Labour Government should introduce a national health inequalities strategy that convenes Government Departments to address wider determinants of health. The Treasury should consider targeted support for pregnant women and improving childcare services. Local government should deliver more support through careers hubs for disadvantaged youth and invest in adult education budget increases specific to the north.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Women in the north of England face significant inequalities compared to other regions, including lower employment rates, higher poverty levels, and poorer health outcomes. They are more likely to work longer hours for less pay, live in worse health conditions, be unpaid carers, and have fewer qualifications. The economic cost due to disability and long-term sickness is around £0.4 billion per annum, with women earning significantly less than the national average. Additionally, the region has higher rates of absolute child poverty, more women providing unpaid care, lower life expectancy for girls born in the north, and increased risks during pregnancy and reproductive health.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon commended the hon. Lady for bringing forward the issue of women's employment in the North of England, highlighting an anomaly where there are two and a half times more self-employed men than women. He stressed that childcare costs are a significant barrier to opportunity, with some families paying as much for childcare as they do for their mortgage.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.