Valerie Vaz MP, Shadow Leader of the House, commenting on the forthcoming debate on Proxy voting, said:

“The Tories are yet again dragging their feet on this after the shameful episode of the Party Chairman and Chief Whip breaking an agreement in place with a mother on maternity leave.

“The Labour Party has repeatedly offered to immediately introduce a system of proxy voting for those on baby leave.

“The announcement of a general debate next week is a sign that the Government are just kicking the can down the road again.

“It is vital Parliament is a modern workplace, that those on baby leave can have their vote recorded and take part in our proceedings as they are elected to do.”