Recent comments made by Kemi Badenoch – describing maternity pay as a burden on businesses – have rightfully sparked outrage and confusion. These remarks are not just deeply troubling but show how out of touch some of our political leaders are with the real struggles faced by families across the country.
Ms Badenoch does claim that the press have twisted her original comments, which they should not have done, but there is no doubt she questioned maternity pay.
In a time where many women are already pushed to the edge financially, such statements only add insult to injury. The reality is that Statutory Maternity Pay is barely 44% of the National Minimum Wage. Mothers are forced to cut their leave short, driven into debt, and even turn to food banks to survive.
This is not excessive support – it’s a lifeline. Dismissing this basic right is not just misleading, it’s dangerous. It undermines the very values of fairness, family, and community that we should all be fighting for.
At Compassion in Politics, we believe every family deserves the chance to thrive. Mothers should be supported, not scapegoated. Our political leaders should champion compassion, not cruelty. But we need your help to ensure that our call for a better, kinder politics reaches as many people as possible.
We need to build a new politics that challenges these harmful narratives and supports policies that support families and working parents.
We cannot allow elected politicians, not least those seeking leadership of the main Opposition Party in the UK, to make support for mother’s and families into a wedge issue.
We need a politics that amplifies the voices of those who have been ignored and dismissed by those in power.
That is why we at Compassion in Politics are building a movement that puts compassion, fairness, and humanity back at the heart of politics.
At Compassion in Politics we believe no politicians should use divisive or polarising language.
Together, we can send a powerful message – that people, not profits, must come first. That compassion is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Now that the Party Conferences are over, we are shifting our attention back to Westminster. If you can, please consider making a donation today to help us build a better politics – one rooted in compassion and care for everyone in society.
Thank you for your support, without it we would not be able to keep up our vital work.
With hope and solidarity,
Jennifer Nadel
Compassion in Politics