MP’s late plea for action on period poverty

A SCOTS MP apologised for being late to a Commons debate, telling the Speaker: ‘I’m on my period.’ Labour MP for Midlothian Danielle Rowley, pictured, then called for action to cut the cost of sanitary products.

She told MPs: ‘Perhaps you’ll excuse me for my lateness, today I’m on my period and it’s cost me this week already £25. The average cost of a period in the UK over a year is £500 – many women can’t afford this.

‘What is the minister doing to address period poverty?’

Women and Equalities Minister Victoria Atkins said the UK Government had invested £1.5million in the Brook Young People project, Let’s Talk Periods.

She added: ‘We are committed to removing the VAT rate on sanitary products when we leave the EU.’

But Labour’s Carolyn Harris said: ‘Why is the UK Government failing to provide support and leaving it to charities and individual groups to fill the gap?’

Miss Atkins then said ministers were ‘watching with interest’ the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver free sanitary products in schools and other educational institutions.