If you’re MP and would like to join other MPs in signing this letter, or have any questions, please email us at mp@dadshift.org.uk

To the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP,

During the election you were attacked for wanting to spend even one night a week with your kids. As fathers and parents, we admired both the commitment you show your family and the conviction with which you were willing to defend it.

It’s because of that commitment and that conviction that we wanted to write and ask for your help, making sure dads across the country can show up for their families just as you show up for yours.

Today the UK has the worst statutory paternity offer for new fathers across the whole of Europe, equating to just two days leave at full pay. One in three fathers take no leave at all when a new baby arrives, while one in two who do report struggling financially because of it. 

Proper parental leave for fathers and co-parents is good for mothers, good for babies, good for fathers and good for society too including improving health outcomes for all. Countries with 6 or more weeks paternity leave also have a gender pay gap that’s 4% smaller and a workforce participation gap that is 3.7% smaller too, meaning change can help grow the economy while helping British families.

With Labour committed to reviewing parental leave arrangements within its first year in office, we’re asking you to meet with us and consider getting behind The Dad Shift’s call for parental leave that is affordable for people to take, gives a substantial allowance of time, and supports equality among parents

You’ve spoken about distance in your own relationship with your father, and yet how even across it he helped shape the dad you have now become. We’re asking that you help whole generations of fathers close this gap, give dads the time they need to spend with their kids and figure out the fathers they want to become.

Yours,