Despite pleas from certain legislators, the process committee stated that the “longstanding practice” of banning infants should stay in place.
Contrary to the requests of some politicians, a committee has determined that members of Congress should not bring infants into the House of Commons.
An official informed Labour MP Stella Creasy that she should not have brought her three-month-old boy into a discussion, despite having brought her older daughter into the chamber when she was a newborn.
Other legislators, like the previous leader of the Liberal Democrats, Jo Swinson, have also brought in their young children.
However, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle referred the subject to the Procedure Committee of the House of Commons for a final decision.
The committee of MPs released their findings on Thursday, stating that excluding infants from entering the chamber had been a “longstanding practice of the House” and that their investigation had reached the same conclusion.
A committee statement stated, “Members should not bring infants into the Chamber, Westminster Hall, or general committees whether observing, initiating, speaking, or intervening in proceedings.”
MPs stated that discussion moderators “should retain a degree of de facto discretion,” but advised that it be “exercised sparingly.”
They also requested that the Liaison Committee explore whether the same norms should be applied to proceedings of select committees.
As they are not entitled to maternity leave, the verdict is sure to enrage some lawmakers, who have expressed concern about their ability to represent their constituents after giving birth.
Ms. Creasy stated that when breastfeeding, her only option was to bring her child to work.
She garnered backing from members of the entire House, including Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, who stated that the Commons “must ensure that we are in the 21st century.
