Labour MP Stella Creasy: Parliament 'living in 1919, not 2019' on maternity leave
The politician says: "I simply don't think it's fair that my local community will be penalised for having a woman as the MP."
Wednesday 19 June 2019 10:34, UK
A Labour MP has called for changes to parliament's rules around maternity leave for MPs, accusing the authorities of "living in 1919, not 2019".
Stella Creasy told Sky News she had asked for someone to cover her work carried out outside the Commons, but claimed the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) told her it "does not recognise that MPs go on maternity leave".
IPSA, which regulates MPs' pay, said it does not comment on the arrangements of individual MPs.
But chair Ruth Evans said it supported proposals to allow maternity cover for MPs, something which "would be for the House of Commons to take forward".
Ms Creasy is expecting her first child after having had two previous miscarriages - and has decided to speak out about her experience in the hope it leads to reform.
"I simply don't think it's fair that my local community will be penalised for having a woman as the MP, because IPSA is living in 1919 not 2019," the Walthamstow MP said.
"I've asked for someone essentially to become a locum," she explained.
"Just as you would if your GP went off on maternity leave or even if your vicar went on maternity leave."
Ms Creasy said the experience of a fellow Labour MP who gave birth last year is further evidence that the system needs to change.
She said: "Tulip Siddiq was doing casework three days after having had a caesarean section, she's having to take her young baby into meetings with her right now, because there isn't anyone to cover those duties so that she can take a break to be with her child."
A number of MPs have praised Ms Creasy's decision to share her experience and backed her demand for change.
Lib Dem deputy leader Jo Swinson described Ms Creasy as "fearless and formidable", adding: "I don't fancy IPSA's chances defending their outdated position against your campaigning force. Let's get this changed!"
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Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, said: "I couldn't be prouder of Stella for facing down the use of fertility and motherhood to define and control our politics."
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband backed Ms Creasy, declaring it was "time to get closer to the 21st century".
"We cannot be a modern, effective or representative parliament when the need for maternity cover is not recognised," he said.
"Nor can we lecture firms on non-discrimination if we practice it ourselves."
Conservative leadership contender Sajid Javid tweeted Ms Creasy to say: "Congratulations on your exciting news. I completely agree that we must strive to ensure parliament is an inclusive workplace. It shouldn't be more difficult to be a female MP than a male MP."
Ms Creasy said the support is "a recognition that in the 21st century, we need to make it possible for both men and women equally to be representatives, rather than asking women to pick up the pieces because Parliament hasn't got its act together".
MPs are paid their £79,468 salary in full from the day they are elected to the day they leave office, regardless of whether they take time off for maternity or paternity leave.
IPSA can also make provisions for MPs or their staff taking maternity leave by allowing that MP's office to hire extra people, for example by taking on an extra caseworker.
Ms Evans said: "We will work closely with parliament on any changes they wish to introduce and on providing the funding to support this.
"The IPSA board will be discussing these issues next week, and meeting the Speaker's Committee in July, to support any move by parliament to assist MPs.
"In the last few years, we have more than doubled the funding available for MPs' dependants to support family life and will continue to strive to modernise our rules."
Theresa May has urged IPSA to look "very closely" at the issues raised by Ms Creasy.
The prime minister's official spokesman said: "While parliament has made positive changes to becoming more family friendly in recent years - such as introducing proxy voting and changing sitting hours - Stella Creasy's comments highlight that there is much more to do.
"It is ultimately up to the independent Ipsa to make decisions on pay and allowances for MPs but the prime minister would urge them to look very closely at the issues that have been raised by Stella Creasy and determine what more support, such as temporary staffing, can be provided."