London: A 4-month-old baby boy has become part of Brexit history after he was allowed inside the House of Commons along with his MP mother who interrupted her maternity leave to vote on triggering Britain’s divorce from the European Union (EU).
Norwich MP Chloe Smith’s baby Alastair made history as first infant of a Conservative MP to be taken into the House of Commons chamber.
House of Commons Speaker John Bercow had his hands full during the 17 hours of debate on legislation to pave the way the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union.
But he did not flinch as Ms. Smith brought her four-month-old baby to the Commons to support the Government in a vote on the European Union (Notification Of Withdrawal) Bill, Eastern Daily Press reported.
Closer to final separation
Britain on Wednesday moved one step closer to a final separation from the EU as members of the U.K. parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of allowing the government to begin Brexit negotiations.
Ms. Smith (34) said last week she would be travelling from her Norwich North constituency to vote on “the central issue of our times.”
And when she arrived in the chamber with her son Alastair, they got a warm welcome from Mr. Bercow.
“I say to the honourable lady, don’t be sheepish about it,” the Speaker said.
Little one is welcome
“The little baby is welcome to come in. There’s no problem,” he said.
The Norwich North MP took her four-month-old through the voting lobby, where she also met Prime Minister Theresa May.
Alastair, the son of Ms. Smith and Sandy McFadzean, was born in September.
“Whichever way you look at it, this was a bit of history and it’ll be a privilege to be able to tell our son he was there,” Ms. Smith was quoted as saying. She was told he was one of the first babies ever in the Chamber by Mr. Bercow, who gave her permission to bring in the infant.
Only a Labour baby before
It is believed that only a Liberal Democrat and a Labour baby have previously been in the House of Commons chamber before.
Parents have spoken out in the past about the fact that Parliament is not geared up for young families.
MPs do not automatically get maternity leave as they are classed as self-employed and have to negotiate leave with party whips.
Source: News18