Rishi Sunak – if you’re serious about fixing the British economy, invest in childcare | Stella Creasy

A cost of childcare crisis is forcing parents - mostly mothers - out of the workplace. Now we're taking the fight to the streets

As the new prime minister burnishes his family man credentials, mothers this weekend are highlighting that when it comes to this government, their needs are getting the same worrying lack of attention that Bing's friend Pando gets when he keeps taking his trousers off. With childcare costs reaching up to two-thirds of their income, women of childbearing age are leaving the workforce in their droves - meaning their taxes and their talent both go untapped. In response, campaigners are taking to the streets as part of Pregnant then Screwed's March of the Mummies to highlight the fact that, while mothers may be surviving on a diet of Pom-Bears and strong coffee, we also have a voice and a vote, and we're not afraid to use either.

The UK has the second most expensive childcare system in the world, and parental leave that may as well be called parental lump it" because so few can actually afford to take it. We have failed to make flexible working a reality for all but the most wealthy. And the pandemic exacerbated what was already a raw deal.

Stella Creasy is the Labour and Cooperative MP for Walthamstow