By love-89.com Members of Parliament (MPs) with young families are expressing differing views on the need for family-friendly working hours in the House of Commons. Some are advocating for shorter sitting days to help them return home to their children, while others prefer extended time in their constituencies.
The ongoing discussion about working hours is part of a broader examination by the House of Commons modernisation committee, which is also focusing on improving standards, culture, and voting methods within Parliament. This debate has spotlighted the contrasting needs of new MPs—particularly those with young families—with a divide emerging between those whose children live close to London and those whose primary homes are outside the capital.
MPs with children who commute from London are calling for earlier start and end times to the parliamentary day, which would allow them to spend more time with their families. Conversely, those who live further away express a preference for longer sitting hours at the beginning of the week, enabling them to dedicate more time to constituency work.
To support one another, a group of MPs has established a “Mums and Dads” WhatsApp group to discuss the challenges of parenting while navigating the demands of parliamentary life. Additionally, many new members are advocating for a more flexible approach to remote voting, which they believe would better align parliamentary duties with family and constituency commitments.
House of Commons leader Lucy Powell is reportedly attentive to the pastoral needs of new MPs, especially given the significant relationship challenges that can arise from the stresses of parliamentary life. Some MPs, particularly those who entered the House unexpectedly or rushed into their roles during the last-minute preparations for the July election, are feeling overwhelmed by the lifestyle adjustments required for a role that necessitates long commutes away from home.
Last week, Powell solicited input on topics for the committee’s agenda, acknowledging that the Commons has faced reputational damage due to recent scandals involving MPs. She emphasized that the committee will focus on enhancing standards, improving working practices, and making parliamentary procedures more effective.
Historically, some veteran MPs have resisted changes to sitting hours or any flexibility regarding maternity and paternity leave. While MPs are entitled to family leave, complexities arise concerning how their responsibilities are managed in their absence, often leaving it to the discretion of the whips’ office.
Controversy surrounded the Conservatives’ nomination of Christopher Chope to the modernisation committee, as he faced criticism for past statements. Furthermore, he drew backlash for his comments about fellow Tory leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch, implying that her focus on her children influenced his support for her opponent.
A government source commented on the challenges facing the committee: “There are significant issues regarding MPs’ outside interests, complaints, and cultural matters that we are addressing. The debate over sitting hours has long been contentious, as what works for one MP may not suit another. It’s essential that we find a balance that accommodates the needs of MPs from all corners of the country. Many new MPs, whose families reside outside London, prefer longer sitting hours on fewer days to allow for greater constituency involvement. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that parliamentary time is productive and that MPs can plan their schedules with greater certainty.”