Written evidence submitted by Sarah Olney MP (BIC 03)

1. Whether the presence of babies during parliamentary proceedings in the House of Commons should be prohibited or permitted

I think that the presence of babies during parliamentary proceedings will be disruptive and distracting.  Parents in other professions do not bring their babies with them, and we should follow accepted practice in similar lines of work. 

MPs cannot be substituted, however, and cannot take maternity leave in the same way as other employees can.  I think more can be done to support MPs to carry out their essential duties while caring for a newborn, including provision of onsite childcare where necessary.  It should be possible for parents of newborns to give notice that they would like to speak in a debate, and to attend only for the duration of their contribution, without the usual requirement to attend at the opening, closing and for the next two speeches, so that they don’t have to be separated from their babies for an undue amount of time.

2. Whether the rules should remain in guidance issued by the Speaker and his Deputies, or be captured in the House’s Standing Orders;

The rules should remain in guidance. It is always possible that an emergency may arise in which it would be inhumane to separate an MP from their newborn, but that the MP needs to make an urgent contribution on behalf of a constituent that nobody else can make.  The barrier to facilitating such an event would be more difficult to overcome if the rule was in Standing Orders.

3. What guidance Members should be given on the circumstances in which they should (and should not) be accompanied by their child;

The guidance should be that children should not be present when contributing to questions or debates – when it should be assumed that the MP will be giving proceedings their full attention.  Children should still be permitted in the voting lobbies, as they currently are.

4. What discretion should be available to Members chairing debates in the Chamber, Westminster Hall and legislative committees.

The same as above – these activities are usually discretionary, so it should be possible for MPs to balance this participation with their parental duties.  More support for parents of newborns as outlined above, should make it possible for them to attend any debate or other event that their constituents need to be represented at.