Female MPs may be allowed to breastfeed in House of Commons, says new speaker

Sir Lindsay Hoyle says he would not be ‘upset’ if a baby was fed on the green benches

MPs could be allowed to breastfeed in the chamber of the House of Commons after the new speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said he would have no objection.

Breastfeeding is currently banned on the green benches, despite a report in 2016 calling for it to be considered as part of a review of parliamentary rules.

Sir Lindsay, who was elected speaker in November, said he did not want to “dictate” policy on the issue, but would not be bothered if it happened.

Asked at a Westminster lunch whether he would allow feeding to take place in the Commons chamber and committee rooms, he replied: “My view is, it is up to the woman.

“I think it would be wrong for me as a man to dictate on that policy.

“If it happens, it happens. I wouldn’t be upset by it.”

Former speaker Betty Boothroyd ruled in 2000 that breastfeeding could not take place in the chamber of the Commons or committee rooms, after Swindon MP Julia Drown requested clarification on whether she could feed during lengthy sittings of the standing committee of which she was a member.

Baroness Boothroyd told the MP that neither breastfeeding nor bottle-feeding was permitted, explaining: “I do not believe that the feeding of babies in either the chamber or committee is conducive to the efficient conduct of public business.

“Nor do I think that the necessary calm environment in which to feed babies can be provided in such circumstances.”

Her successor Michael Martin later suggested a compromise option of providing a feeding room near to where committee sessions take place.

But female MPs did not drop the issue, and a series of motions were tabled demanding relaxation of the rules, while the Commons Administration Committee recommended allowing breastfeeding “wherever it is appropriate in the Palace of Westminster”.

Betty Boothroyd ruled babies could not be fed in the Commons chamber (Rex)

A report commissioned by Sir Lindsay’s predecessor John Bercow recommended in 2016 that mothers should be allowed to bring babies into the chamber and voting lobbies.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson was the first woman to take advantage of the modernising move, bringing her son Gabriel into the Commons as she attended a debate on proxy votes for MPs on maternity leave.

The 11-week-old slept in a sling being worn by his mother throughout his brief history-making appearance.

A House of Commons spokesperson said: "We recognise that suitable facilities are vitally important for breastfeeding mothers, which is why the House of Commons provides a number of private spaces across the estate. There is currently no formal policy around breastfeeding in the chamber. However any requests from members would be considered with sensitivity."