Nursery facility will help ‘encourage parents to stand as MPs’ - plans approved to build crèche for House of Commons

Published: 23 July 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

IT is known around the world as the mother of all parliaments and many an observer has likened the MPs on the green leather of the Commons to squabbling children. 

It is an irony then that children and mothers have historically been excluded from the seat of power in British politics, a situation that has not gone unnoticed in recent times, prompting calls for a more representative and inclusive parliament.

Now Parliament is no longer a toddler free zone, as last night (Thursday) Westminster Council’s planning committee was expected to approve plans to build a nursery on the Parliamentary estate.

The new crèche is scheduled to open later this year on the site of what was Bellamy’s Bar at number one Parliament Street. It will cater for around 40 children of MPs, peers, civil servants and other staff working in the Commons. 

Parents will pay around £10 an hour to use the nursery – roughly equivalent to central London childcare rates. 

It was approved by the House of Commons Commission last year, and is said to be an article of faith of Speaker John Bercow, who grew tired of the old claim that the House of Commons houses a shooting gallery but not a childcare facility.

Documents seen by the council’s planning committee yesterday said: “Number one Parliament Street is a grade-II listed building. The demise is currently used as a licensed drinking establishment and dining room.

“The environment will offer a varied range of experiences through space, colour, texture, light and sound. Play rooms will be light and comfortable places that encourage a child’s independence, for example, by allowing access to appropriate play equipment and other facilities, such as toilets.”

When the proposals were announced, former Europe minister Chris Bryant said: “If Parliament is to be truly representative of the community it serves then it must do more to encourage parents to stand as MPs. 

“Many other parliamentarians around the world provide nursery facilities for members and staff. It is time one of the oldest parliaments in the world caught up with the rest.”

It is understood the running costs would be “cash neutral”, with no extra cost to the taxpayer.

Other facilities at the Commons include a hairdresser, travel agent, post office and a number of bars and restaurants.