Rachel Reeves responds to announcement of the Ministerial and other Maternity Allowances Bill

“This legislation is a small but significant step forward for women's rights in Parliament. The Attorney General will be the first Cabinet Minister in UK history to take maternity leave with proper pay and cover. It is quite unbelievable that women Cabinet Ministers throughout history have faced resignation or demotion when choosing to have children. Working women should not be forced to choose between having children and their career - whether that be a Cabinet Minister or any other working mum.

"But this bill is already out of date, with no provisions for paternity, adoption or shared parental leave. Labour intends to hold the Government to their word to work cross-party to introduce comprehensive legislation in the coming months to right this injustice."