No babies in Parliament: U.K. politicians push for change after infant banned

A British MP has been told she can't bring her three-month-old baby into the House of Commons, prompting others to demand a change in parliamentary rules.

Labour Party MP Stella Creasy said she had received a letter from Commons authorities after she took her son, Pip, to a debate at Westminster Hall.

She said she had previously taken both Pip and her older daughter to Parliament without problems, but was told the rules had changed in September. Members of Parliament are now advised that they "should not take your seat in the chamber when accompanied by your child."

The rule undermines efforts to make politics more family-friendly, said Creasy.

"There are barriers to getting mums involved in politics, and I think that damages our political debate," she told the BBC.

The U.K.'s Parliament, once known for its boozy, macho culture and late-night hours, has changed in recent years. One of the building's multiple bars was converted into a nursery for the children of politicians and staff.

Lawmakers are entitled to maternity leave, but without the ability to have someone cover their job while they are away, most can take only a short time off.

'Lot of sympathy'

Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, a Conservative, said he has "a lot of sympathy" for Creasy, but the decision is for the House authorities to make.

"I think we do need to make sure our profession is brought into the modern world, the 21st century, and can allow parents to juggle the jobs they do with the family time that they need," Raab said.

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said the baby ban was "absurd." She said babies were "far less disruptive than many braying backbenchers."

House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said he had asked Parliament's procedure committee to review the rules, and noted that there were "differing views on this matter."

"The advice given yesterday … correctly reflects the current rules. However, rules have to be seen in context and they change with the times," he said. "It is extremely important that parents of babies and young children are able to participate fully in the work of this House."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesperson, Max Blain, said the government wanted to see "further improvements" to make Parliament more family-friendly.

"We want to make sure that all workplaces are modern, flexible and fit for parents," he said. "The exact way that operates is rightly a matter for the House."