An SNP MPs Private Members’ Bill on neonatal leave and pay will have its third reading today (Friday, 20 January).

The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Bill, if passed, would provide additional leave and pay to parents of premature and sick babies, in addition to maternity and paternity leave and pay.

The Bill has received a wide range of support from numerous organisations, including ‘Bliss’, ‘The Smallest Things’, ‘Pregnant then Screwed’ and ‘Working Familes’ – all of whom have campaigned tirelessly on the issue and have been instrumental in bringing the Bill to this stage.

This reading is the final hurdle before the Bill goes to the House of Lords for scrutiny.

Commenting ahead of the reading, Chris Stephens MP said:

I want to see this crucial Bill passed and implemented as quickly as possible. The Bill’s provisions cannot take away the trauma of having a child in neonatal care, but it can help to relieve some of the practical and financial challenges that so many families are having to face.”