Annette Brooke MP delighted at plans for 'Right to breastfeed' law

Published on Thu 14th Jun 2007

Annette Brooke MP today welcomed the news that a new law is being proposed by the government which would grant women the right to breastfeed in public. Annette Brooke, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Children, Young People and Families is one of three key MPs who have been leading the Breastfeeding Manifesto campaign in Parliament, calling for the Government to take greater action on breastfeeding.

Figures suggest that only around 20% of British women breastfeed their babies for the recommended six months. Annette Brooke MP said:

"Improved breastfeeding rates could make a real difference to the health of babies and their mothers and save the health service millions each year and yet so many women experience barriers, one of which is British attitudes to breast feeding in public. Given that tabloid newspapers are on sale everywhere with breasts on display for sexual purposes, this is not acceptable"

ENDS

Notes to editor:

1. Only recently Annette received a letter from a visitor to Poole who had been asked to stop breastfeeding whilst sitting outside a restaurant.

2. The Breastfeeding Coalition has already received cross-party support from more than 180 MPs and is calling on all 646 MPs to sign up to the Manifesto.

3. People are encourage to pledge their support via the website www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk