"Only Labour Deliver For Women" Says Denis MacShane MP

Denis MacShane MP celebrates International Women's Day

Denis MacShane MP today welcomed the news that a tribute bouquet would be laid at the statue of suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst to celebrate International Women's Day.

MacShane said:

"I am sure that the suffragettes who fought and died for women's rights would support what this Labour Government has done since 1997.

"One million women have higher pay, thanks to the minimum wage and we've increased maternity pay and leave, introduced a new right to request flexible working  so that mothers can better balance work and family life. We've also helped with childcare costs, through tax credits, benefiting nearly 1.3 million families.

"We’ve also stepped up the campaign against domestic violence are currently  radicallly improving domestic violence legislation with significant new powers and better victim protection.

"David Cameron has talked a lot about helping women - but as an MP his voting record at Westminster tells a different story.  He has voted against extending maternity leave to 26 weeks, the introduction of 2 weeks paid paternity leave and the right to request flexible working. He also talks a lot about getting more women Tory MPs - but won't follow Labour's lead in introducing measures that guarantee more women into parliament.   At their present slow rate of progress it will take the the Tories 400 years to get equal numbers of men and women among their MPs .

"I will keep up the pressure on the government to do more for women - but it is clear that Labour is the only party that has made improving the lives of women a Government priority."