A British Member of Parliament has cradled her baby on the House of Commons benches for what is thought to be the first time during a debate.
Lib Dem deputy leader Jo Swinson appeared in the chamber with Gabriel to listen to the closing remarks of a discussion about proxy voting. Proxy voting could allow MPs on maternity and paternity leave to nominate a colleague to cast their vote in their absence. Ms Swinson gave birth to Gabriel – her second child – on 29 June.
MPs have often been seen in the Commons chamber with their children during votes, but not during active debates. Labour’s Harriet Harman, the Mother of the House as the longest-serving female MP, stroked Gabriel’s head after sitting next to Ms Swinson. Speaker John Bercow also shared a word with the mother and baby as they left.Photo Credit: Getty
