Hull's first woman MP celebrates International Women's Day

Hull's first-ever woman MP today joined parliamentary colleagues in laying a tribute bouquet at the statue of suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst to celebrate International Women's Day.

Diana Johnson MP said: "I am sure that the suffragettes who fought for women's rights would approve of what this Labour Government has done since 1997.

"One million women have higher pay, thanks to the minimum wage and we've increased maternity pay and leave, introduced a new right to request flexible working to give mothers a better balance between work and family life. We've also helped with childcare costs, through tax credits, benefiting nearly 1.3 million families. We've also improved domestic violence legislation with new powers and better victim protection.

"David Cameron has talked a lot about helping women - but at Westminster his voting record tells a different story. He has voted against extending maternity leave, the introduction of two weeks paid paternity leave and the right to request flexible working. The Liberal Democrats have also voted against numerous Government measures that benefit women, not least in their soft stance on crime and anti-social behaviour.

"I will keep up the pressure on the Government to do more for women in Hull, but it is clear that Labour is the only party that has made empowering women a Government priority."

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