Labour women row over House hours
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Plans to make the House of Parliament more "family friendly" have been hit by a serious split between senior women in the Government.
Margaret Beckett, the Leader of the House of Commons, is sympathetic to change but Ann Taylor, the Chief Whip, is not. According to Labour MPs, discussions about the possibility of change have also been held up by the cool relationship between Mrs Taylor and Betty Boothroyd, the Speaker. One ministerial source said: "There has been a lot of criticism of the Tories for opposing modernisation but unfortunately there are people in the Labour Party who are also holding things up."
The matter has been raised with Tony Blair via a parliamentary committee and Labour whips have been warned that there will be an "almighty row" if no progress is made.
One Labour MP said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to change the archaic working hours of the Commons. If we don't do it now, we never will. The Commons should drag itself into the 21st century." Ministers and backbenchers believe that the reforms would send an important signal to the country. One government source said: "We can hardly ask employers to change their ways if we cannot even keep our own house in order."
A petition calling for regular hours has already been signed by 187 MPs from all parties.Since Christmas, there have been 32 sittings after midnight and several of Labour's women MPs with young children have announced that they will stand down at the next election because they cannot cope with Parliament's late hours.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments