by James Lewis, Premier
A bill brought forward by a Christian MP to strengthen early childhood support has moved a step closer to becoming law.
Sir Desmond Swayne’s Infants, Parents and Carers Bill passed second reading without opposition in the House of Commons on Friday. He won first place in the ballot for a Private Members Bill (PMB), which allows backbenchers to bring forward their own legislation.
The Conservative MP for New Forest West has decided to focus on support for families during their child’s first 1,001 days. Provision of services like Best Start Family Hubs and the Start for Life programme would become a statutory duty for the government, if the bill were to pass. It aims to make health advice, parenting help, and early years services easier to access during pregnancy and in a child’s first years.
Revealing details of the bill in June, he told Premier Christian News: “The first 1,001 critical days of a child’s life are hugely important and determine so much of their life chances later. It’s in those times that parents and carers face enormous pressures.”
He also highlighted the role of churches and faith-based organisations in supporting families, especially in areas without family hubs, and he would consider examining their role in the legislation.