MP Alicia Kearns Highlights Concerns Over Mixing Parliamentary Duties with Infant Care
Babies do not belong in the House of Commons chamber, according to Tory MP Alicia Kearns. Her comments follow Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s statement supporting MPs bringing infants into debates, provided they do not disrupt proceedings.
Ms Kearns, who welcomed her second child in January 2021, argued that while she fully supports motherhood in politics, parliamentary debates are not an appropriate setting for infant care.
“This is not about rights or representation but childcare,” she stated, adding, “No professional workplace would entertain feeding a baby during a meeting with senior executives or on a stage in front of stakeholders.”
Currently, MPs are permitted to bring their children when voting but not during debates, though the Speaker and his deputies have discretion. Sir Lindsay has called for a review of the rules after Labour MP Stella Creasy was informed she could no longer bring her son into the chamber.
Ms Kearns acknowledged the challenges of balancing her role as an MP with motherhood, recalling instances when Commons security initially barred her eight-month-old daughter from entering Parliament in her pram, an issue later resolved.
“You’ll often find me dashing through Parliament feeding my baby between votes and meetings,” she said. “Being a mum shouldn’t be hidden in workplaces, but I also don’t feel the need to do it live-streamed to the world.”
The debate over babies in the chamber has become a polarising topic. Sir Lindsay, reflecting on the issue, recounted a time when Ms Creasy’s baby entered the chamber while he presided as Speaker.
“The baby was quiet and peaceful, and it didn’t disrupt the debate,” he noted. “But this is now a matter for the Procedure Committee to review, and I will respect their decision.”
The cross-party Commons Procedure Committee is expected to assess whether the current rules need updating to reflect modern workplace realities.
This conversation highlights broader discussions on the balance between parenting and professional responsibilities in public office, with MPs voicing differing opinions on how best to support families without disrupting parliamentary decorum.
