Happy new year, petition supporters! We might just be halfway into January, but already, our petition has been making waves.

Thanks to you, we've now reached over 20,000 signatures. The petition had a huge boost this week when I was given the opportunity to discuss the campaign on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, reaching listeners across the UK and the world. You can listen to the interview, starting at about 44 minutes into the programme, here:

 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002pqkj

In response to the programme, the Royal College of Midwives released a statement agreeing that it's 'right to highlight the serious issue of midwives' long working hours', and that they will be pushing Parliament for a multi-year commitment to safe staffing. While the RCM haven't gone as far as officially supporting our campaign, another union has reached out to express strong interest in doing so. Watch that space!

Next week, I'll be meeting with MP Carolyn Harris - who has already done so much for women's health across the UK - to find out how she might be able to support the petition at Westminster. The Department of Health and Social Care is aware of our petition and has reiterated that all staff should be protected by the Working Time Regulations...although clearly, that's not always happening!

Thank you once again for your steadfast support. Together, we can make birth so much safer for staff and service users. Keep an eye on these updates as the campaign is constantly evolving, and please do keep sharing the petition among your friends, colleagues and loved ones.

All the best,

Leah