Breastfeeding in chamber attacked

Women who want to breastfeed in the Chamber of the House of Commons when other alternatives are available are exhibitionists, East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said.

The practice should be done where possible in private parts of Parliament, the senior Democratic Union is tadded. He said the confrontational atmosphere was unsuitable for children.

An independent report said MPs should be allowed to breastfeed in the chamber, enabling all members to fully participate in parliamentary business.

Mr Wilson said: “It’s voyeuristic (exhibitionist) if you have got an opportunity to do it somewhere which is much more private away from the glare of the public and the cameras etc. To me, anyone who chooses to do it in the chamber rather than who do it in the quietness of their office, is doing it for reasons other than simply feeding the child, tomake a point.” A DUP spokesman said his comments represented a personal view.

The review was conducted by Sarah Childs, a professor of gender and politics at Bristol University, who was seconded to Parliament for a year to address the issue of sexism in Parliament.