Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency, is holding an event at the Vic pub in Hitchin for Dads and expectant-Dads all about paternity leave and fatherhood.

Strathern's 'Paternity and Pints' event will be on March 27^th at the Vic pub on Ickleford Road in Hitchin town centre. Doors will open at 6 30pm, with the event getting under way at 7pm for an 8pm finish.

Dads and expectant Dads can sign up to come along, here.

The event marks the anniversary of the introduction of paternity leave, which allows fathers to be around for the crucial first moments of their child's life.

However, the UK has one of the worst paternity leave offerings in Europe. Strathern's office has heard stories of constituents burning through savings, being forced to take extended unpaid leave to be around for the key first few months, to relieve some of the burden placed on new mothers.

Strathern wants to hear Dad's stories and ideas for how we can make paternity leave finally work for families across the country.

The Government is currently reviewing parental leave and is expected to introduce new proposals by the end of the year.

Alistair Strathern MP said: "I am really looking forward to meeting many local Dads in an open space to discuss raising kids, fatherhood and paternity leave".

"Our paternity offer is not fit for purpose and presents families with a dilemma between what is right for their child, and their finances. We've got to do better than that".

"I want to hear local Dads' stories and experiences, and what changes they would like to see to paternity leave".

"I hope Dads across Hitchin and our area can join me for a pint to discuss this really important issue."