PoliticsJOE Podcast How to fix Britain's collapsing birth rate with Labour MP Josh Simons
Apr 15, 2025
Josh Simons, Labour MP for Makerfield, champions better paternity leave and advocates for policies that support modern parenthood. He dives into Britain's alarming birth rate decline, the need for reform in childcare policies, and how economic pressures affect young people's family planning decisions. Simons also discusses the erosion of community spaces and its impact on social connections, emphasizing the importance of restoring these public goods. The conversation highlights the balance between government policies and personal choices in today's parenting landscape.
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Parenthood Changes Work Culture
- Having children teaches you that you're not in control and that's okay.
- More fathers in Parliament now expect time with their kids and share caregiving equally.
Mandate Fair Paternity Leave
- Implement mandatory paternity leave like Spain's six weeks to encourage father involvement.
- Ensure paternity leave is fair and accessible regardless of job type or income.
Paternity Leave Challenges and Solutions
- During paternity leave, shared nightly baby duties was exhausting and ineffective.
- Switching roles helped maintain equality and improved partnership dynamics.