Oxfordshire MP Joins Campaigners to Demand End to Europe’s Shortest Paternity Leave

Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame, has called for reform of the UK’s paternity leave system, branding the current offer as "woefully inadequate" and “out of step with modern family life.”

Currently, fathers in the UK are entitled to just two weeks statutory paternity leave which is one of the shortest allowances in Europe. In countries like Spain, new fathers receive 16 weeks. UK fathers who qualify are paid £187.18 per week or 90% of their average earnings, whichever is lower. If a father is self-employed or earns less than £123 a week, they are not entitled to paternity leave at all.

Freddie joined fellow campaigners, including the charity and advocacy group Pregnant Then Screwed, at Dad Strike, a recent event organised by Dad Shift outside the Department for Business and Trade. Freddie spoke at the demonstration highlighting the need for longer and better-paid paternity leave to support modern families.

As part of his ongoing commitment to championing family policy, Freddie has also been appointed Chair of the newly formed All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Fatherhood.

The group will focus on addressing the personal, social and cultural barriers that hinder a father’s ability to play a full and active role in their child’s life. While policies such as Shared Parental Leave were intended to promote greater equality in caregiving, they have done little to shift attitudes and behaviours around childcare and domestic labour. The APPG aims to explore what practical steps are needed to bring about meaningful change for families in the UK.

Freddie van Mierlo MP said:

"As a new dad, I know first-hand how important it is for fathers to be supported in playing an active role in their children's lives. We know that dads can have a huge impact on their children’s health, education and wellbeing — but too often, barriers still stand in the way. I’m proud to have been elected chair of this new group and to help make the case for better support for fathers and families across the UK."