Britain to consent maternity leave for women ministers in 2021

The British government is to amend an 'outdated' law and introduce paid maternity leave for senior ministers for the first time, Downing Street announced on Thursday. The decision comes when Attorney General Suella Braverman is due for delivery. The current law requires her to resign if she wishes to take maternity leave.

Braverman will become the most senior in Cabinet to have a baby while in office. According to media reports, her role will be temporarily filled in until her return after the maternity leave. She had announced in November that she expected her delivery early this year.

The bill was first read on Thursday afternoon in Parliament and is expected to grant six months paid leave for women ministers. The second reading of the bill is scheduled for 11th February.

However, the bill did not contain any provisions relating to paternity leave, parental rights or its extension to women in other positions or the general public.