Dr Kieran Mullan, MP for Bexhill and Battle, has spoken in Parliament in support of the Babies Bill, highlighting the work of Sidley Family Hub and the importance of helping parents give their children the best possible start in life.
The Infants, Parents and Carers Bill, known as the Babies Bill, was introduced by Sir Desmond Swayne, MP for New Forest West, as a Private Member’s Bill. Its Second Reading debate took place in the House of Commons today.
The Bill focuses on the 1,001 critical days from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, when early experiences and relationships help shape lifelong health and development.
It would require the Government to assess the needs of babies, parents and carers every three years, strengthen the legal foundation for information and support, and report annually to Parliament on provision and its effectiveness. Services covered include health visiting, infant feeding, perinatal mental health and support for relationships between parents and babies.
During his speech, Kieran described a recent visit to Sidley Family Hub, where he asked staff about the most important part of their work with families.
Kieran told MPs:
“They said the most important thing they do consistently across people from all backgrounds was actually tell them it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to say, I need help, can I get help?”
He emphasised the importance of tackling the stigma that can prevent parents from seeking advice, recognising that raising children is demanding and that families need different kinds of support.
Drawing on his experiences as a medical student, doctor and volunteer police officer, Kieran reflected on the lasting difference that a supportive family environment can make. He argued that help should be available early, before difficulties become more serious.
Explaining his support for the Bill, Kieran said:
“Anything we do to help a parent be a more effective parent, to help them understand their role and support them to do that, the sooner you do that, the more you’re going to get back from that investment.”
Kieran also welcomed the Bill’s recognition of carers, paying tribute to grandparents, kinship carers and adoptive parents who take on the responsibility of raising children. He called for better support to make that role easier.
An officer of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Babies, Kieran thanked Sir Desmond Swayne for bringing the legislation forward and recognised the work of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, Dame Andrea Leadsom and the Parent-Infant Foundation.
He concluded:
“I really welcome this debate, welcome the attention it’s given to what, as I said, I think is the most important task ahead of any society, and that is raising the next generation successfully.”
