Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie has secured a parliamentary debate to discuss the pressures that midwives across the country are experiencing.
In November, midwives marched in Stroud and around the country, but Ms Baillie was hit by stinging criticism from former Stroud MP David Drew when she didn’t attend the event outside the Subscription Rooms.
She dismissed claims made by her political rival that she failed to engage with midwives over the current crisis in maternal care.
Ms Baillie spoke to campaigners and vowed to raise the matter in the House of Commons and has now been told by the Speaker’s Office she can have an Adjournment Debate on January 17th.
She said: “I am personally deeply indebted to the midwives and health visitors from our town’s maternity hospital and the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for all their help and support as well as holding them in high regard for how they support so many constituents.
“A debate means a government minister will have to consider the concerns midwives have made and the strength of feeling they have about staff shortages and safety. This has been underpinned by a petition signed by over 100,000 people.
“It was also something midwives locally told me they wanted to happen. I will be asking them for their views and concerns to incorporate into my speech for the debate.
“It is important we air real-life experiences and crucially, what midwives think should be done to make the situation better. I hope other MPs will join the debate.”
