Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Prescott hits out at paternity 'nonsense'

Sarah Schaefer,Political Reporter
Saturday 25 March 2000 01:00 GMT
Comments

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.

John Prescott yesterday brushed off Tory claims that he could not cope with running the country if Tony Blair took paternity leave.

The Tories have sought to stir up Mr Blair's indecision over the issue, claiming that he could not make up his mind because he does not want Mr Prescott to be left in charge. But the Deputy Prime Minister insisted: "That is silly nonsense."

Mr Blair has prompted a national debate over paternal leave after dithering over the question of whether to take a break from his prime ministerial duties after the birth of his fourth child, due on 24 May.

Cherie Blair has made it clear that she expects her husband to set an example by taking time off from running the country to help look after their baby. Under a European Union directive brought in by the Department of Trade and Industry last year, both men and women are entitled to up to three months' parental leave.There has been growing pressure on ministers to introduce paid parental leave and the matter is currently being reviewed by Stephen Byers, the Trade and Industry Secretary.

One minister said yesterday: "We expect that there will be some form of paid leave very soon. There is a lot of pressure on us over the issue at the moment because we are trying to appeal to the female vote."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in