Labour MP Danielle Rowley has made history for declaring in the House on Commons yesterday that she was on her period.
The taboo-breaking statement was made in a discussion about the tampon tax.
The MP for for Midlothian in Scotland raised the issue on period poverty in the UK to the Speaker, detailing how much she has spent on sanitary products this week and how the cost is unattainable for many people in Britain.
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Rowley said, ‘I would like to raise with you today and to the House, and perhaps you'll excuse me for my lateness, that today I'm on my period – and it's cost me this week already £25.
‘We know the average cost of a period in the UK over a year is £500 – many women can't afford this. What is the minister doing to address period poverty?’
After vocal praise from her fellow MPs, Women and Equalities Minister Victoria Atkin responded that, not only has the Government invested £1.5m in the Brook Young People project, Let’s Talk Period but that, ‘the Government is committed to removing the VAT rate on sanitary products when we leave the EU which will help with the costs of sanitary products.’
Many people on social media have praised the young MP for her passion towards the issue.
Last year shocking reports emerged of British children missing school whilst on their period, since they did not have the funds to buy hygiene products. Whilst many have been campaigning for the end to tampon tax, in the last year there has been a heightened call for sanitary products to be free in places like school and hospitals.
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
