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Debate: Paid miscarriage leave

Today at Parliament, my colleague Angela Crawley MP led a Westminster Hall debate calling for the introduction of paid leave for those who experience a miscarriage before 24 weeks.

One in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, however, under current legislation, workers are only entitled to bereavement leave following a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Angela has been campaigning for the introduction of paid miscarriage leave for all who experience a miscarriage and currently has a private members' bill on the issue awaiting a second reading. She is also calling on the UK Government to introduce the policy in its upcoming Employment Bill.

During my speech in today's debate, I raised the lived experience of my constituents, Gillan McLellan and her husband Christopher.

Gillian and Christopher have, like many others, had to deal will the very tragic loss of their baby Daisy with little support.

Miscarriage should be seen as a bereavement by the government but because there is a lack of financial help in place, workers often resort to taking sick leave or annual leave in order to take time to grieve.

Along with my party colleagues and many other Members of Parliament from across the House, I support Angela's campaign and efforts to change UK employment law.

Angela has started a petition for members of the public to sign to show their support for her campaign. It currently stands at around 38,000 signatories and you can add your voice to it at paidmiscarriageleave.co.uk.