Josh Newbury

Below is a 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 from me on the decision to proceed with all local elections due across England, including here in Cannock Chase, on 7th May 2026 👇🏻

Alongside The Dad Shift and fellow Labour MPs, I’ll keep pushing for better paternity leave so spending those first weeks with your baby is a choice, not a luxury 👷🏻‍♂️ Let’s make sure dads have the freedom to protect and provide, with the Government having their back 👍🏻 5️⃣ of 5️⃣

Fixing this would 👇🏻 👶🏻 give dads more precious time at home 👨🏽‍💼 improve dads’ mental health and performance at work, 🏥 enable dads to support their partners who need to recover from birth complications, 👩🏼‍🏭 set up more equal caregiving meaning women are able to work longer hours. 4️⃣ of 5️⃣

This matters for moms too - unequal caregiving in those early weeks sets a pattern that often leads to breakups 💔 Polling from @dadshiftuk.bsky.social shows 40% of couples with young children who’ve split say unequal childcare was a key factor; 60% point to bad paternity leave as a cause. 3️⃣ of 5️⃣

This Valentine’s Day, I’m thinking about the dads who can’t afford to take paternity leave they’re entitled to and be there with their newborn in those crucial first weeks 👨🏻‍🍼 And if you're self-employed, pat leave isn't an option at all; there's no government support like moms can get. 2️⃣ of 5️⃣

Roses are red, violets are blue, But new dads get just two. Two weeks on pay that won’t cover the rent, While Europe gives more - fair leave, better spent. If love means sharing life, then let’s make it right, Give every dad a chance to hold their little one through the night ❤️ 1️⃣ of 5️⃣

As a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, I look forward to having many discussions on the Strategy in the months to come, diving into the detail and asking the questions that need to be asked 👍🏻 Let me know if you have any thoughts or questions on the Strategy. 3️⃣ of 3️⃣

The Government has set high ambitions that will benefit animals from homes to farms and wildlife 🐈‍⬛🐓🦡 Just before the RSPCA event, I was in a meeting with Baroness Hayman, the Minister responsible for animal welfare, where we talked timescales and open and upcoming consultations. 2️⃣ of 3️⃣