Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency joined parents and councillors to take part in a stunt to highlight the inadequacy of the UK's statutory paternity leave, hanging baby grows spelling "two weeks isn't enough" at St Mary's Church, Hitchin

 Across the UK, their protest was just one of over 100 others nationwide. 15 MPs took part.

 The stunt aims to draw attention to new research showing 45% of UK fathers experience multiple symptoms of depression or anxiety after having a baby, with 82% calling better paternity leave the government's top priority.

Strathern has been campaigning in Parliament and his constituency since he became an MP for improved paternity leave. 

The UK offers some of the worst paternity leave at only two weeks at less than half the minimum wage. Paternity pay covers less than half the cost of the average pram. For a dad earning the average UK wage, taking just two weeks of paternity leave means losing more than £1,000 in pay.

Poor paternity leave also impacts mothers. Without support, many are left to cope alone at the exact moment they're most vulnerable to postpartum depression themselves. The gendered nature of child raising is baked in by poor paternity leave. Changing this would relieve pressure on mothers and tackle a classic example of gender inequality. 

Alistair Strathern MP said: "It was great to join Hitchin parents and campaigners to call for better paternity leave. I am thankful for the local parents leading this campaign, bringing people together to stand up for needed change".

 "Our paternity leave offer is far too low. The Government's commitment to review parental leave is a welcome one, and I'll be continuing to work with colleagues in Westminster to ensure we make the most of this opportunity."

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