Early Years Provision: Bell Review

Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate Excerpts

Monday 21st October 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Boycott (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate (Con)]

My Lords, what is so encouraging is the way fathers are now involved in looking after children, and it is very important—

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

My Lords, we will turn to the Cross Benches next, and then we will hear from the noble Lord.

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

I am sure that my colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care will look closely at that, given their concern to ensure that babies and children have the healthiest start in life.

[Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate (Con)]

My Lords, I was saying that it is quite inspirational how fathers, particularly young fathers, are now much more involved in bringing up young children. We should recognise that sharing of responsibilities in many families. What do the Government say about that? What more can be done to encourage fathers to get more involved in bringing up their young children?

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

The noble Lord makes a very important point. I know from personal experience that, where fathers can give that care, it has an enormously important impact on children and their development. Obviously, over recent years we are more able, through parental leave provisions, to share that leave at the early stages of children’s lives. I assure the noble Lord that, across government, we will continue to think about ways we can support parents, including fathers, in doing that very important role.