(London) Several British politicians called for changes to parliamentary rules on Wednesday, after a Member of Parliament was told her three-month-old baby was not welcome in the House of Commons.
Labor MP Stella Creasy said she received a letter from House of Commons officials after being accompanied by her son Pip during a debate.
She added that she had previously taken Pip and her eldest daughter to parliament without a problem, but the rules were reportedly changed in September. Members of Parliament are now advised that they should not “take your seat in the chamber when you are accompanied by your child”.
Mme Creasy believes that this regulation undermines the balance between family life and political career.
“There are barriers that prevent moms from getting involved in politics, and I think that hurts our political debate,” she told the BBC.
Deputy Prime Minister, Conservative Dominic Raab, said he had “a lot of sympathy” for Mr.me Creasy, but the decision rests with House of Commons officials.
“I think we need to make sure that our profession matches the modern world, the 21e century, and that it is possible for parents to combine their work with the family time they need, ”said Mr. Raab.
Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said the ban on babies was “absurd”. She added that babies are “much less disturbing than the braying of some backbenchers.”