Dr Kieran Mullan MP, Member of Parliament for Bexhill and Battle, has backed the Babies Bill, new legislation aimed at strengthening support for babies, parents and carers during pregnancy and the first two years of life.
The Babies Bill, formally known as the Infants, Parents and Carers Bill, is a Private Member’s Bill introduced by Sir Desmond Swayne MP. It focuses on the 1,001 days, from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, when babies’ earliest experiences and relationships lay the foundations for lifelong health, wellbeing and development.
The Bill aims to give support during this critical period a strong legal foundation. The current proposal would make provision for assessing the needs of babies, parents, carers and expectant parents, providing appropriate information and support, and requiring annual reporting to Parliament on the support available and the difference it is making.
The Bill is not intended to create a separate new system. Instead, it seeks to strengthen and protect support already being delivered through services such as the Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies programme, health visiting, maternity services, infant feeding support, perinatal mental health support and parent-infant relationship support.
Dr Kieran Mullan MP said:
Every baby in Bexhill and Battle deserves the best start in life. The first two years are a short but vital window when the right support can make a lifelong difference. Parents and carers should be able to get trusted help early, before difficulties become crises. The Babies Bill is about supporting families, not judging them, and making sure babies are visible in the decisions we make about health, family services and early years support. Dr Kieran Mullan recently visited Sidley Family Hub, where he spoke with the hub staff, Aimee and Tina about the importance of early support for families. It is hoped the Babies Bill would help put this kind of support on a stronger long term footing.
The Babies Bill received its First Reading in the House of Commons on 17 June 2026. Its Second Reading is currently scheduled for Friday 4 September 2026.
