Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Bill

Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent Excerpts

3rd reading
Friday 24th May 2024 Lords Chamber

Moved by

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent]

That the Bill do now pass.

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill do now pass. Time is short, and we have a busy agenda today, but I want to thank your Lordships’ House and the usual channels for ensuring this very necessary Bill becomes law before the imminent general election. Today, we have the opportunity, and have taken a step, to support new parents when a mother dies in childbirth or an adoptive parent dies within the child’s first year. Fathers like Aaron Horsey, who lost his wife Bernadette four hours after the birth of their son Tim, will never again have to think about their employment rights in the darkest days of their grief.

I especially thank my honourable friend in the other place, Chris Elmore, the Member for Ogmore, who sponsored this Bill, and Darren Henry, who first acted for Aaron after his wife died, as well as both Front Benches for their unflinching support. I wish everyone well on the campaign trail and remind Members of your Lordships’ House to buy sunscreen. I beg to move that this Bill do now pass.

Bill passed.