The Equality Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons last night and David Kidney MP made a special effort before the debate closed to welcome the breastfeeding clauses in it.

He said "I welcome …the provisions promoting breastfeeding. As breastfeeding is so healthy for mothers and children, it is a scandal that this country performs so much worse than others in enabling mothers to feel comfortable breastfeeding, and in helping them to breastfeed at work and in public places. I welcome the Bill’s measures to help with that, and to place a duty on the public sector to help mothers to feel confident enough to breastfeed—something that is good for them and their babies. In the health context, I praise UNICEF and its Baby Friendly Initiative for making such a change to the circumstances of many mothers by encouraging them to breastfeed."

The Bill will now go on to the committee stage.