Similar marches were planned in Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and Norwich
Thousands of mothers stood outside Downing Street shouting “Dear Rishi Sunak, we want our choices back” as they protested against unaffordable childcare and parental leave structures. Demonstrators dressed in Halloween outfits including witches’ hats and skeleton costumes banged drums at the front of the procession.
Crowds gathered on Parliament Square sang pop hits including Roar by Katy Perry as they demanded reforms to the childcare sector and parental leave. Protesters including Labour MP Stella Creasy joined singers from choir MumSing who performed on a float outside the Houses of Parliament adorned with pink banners reading “March of the Mummies”.
In a statement on Twitter, Met Commander Karen Findlay said: “Positive engagement on the ground with organisers to ensure all mums, families & children feel safe & secure at today’s #MarchOfTheMummies focusing on childcare, flexible working and parental support. Big turnout for Joeli Brearly & team.”
“When the policymakers finally do something … they’ll pretend it was all their idea, but we will remember this moment.” “I’ve been advised along the way that at work I almost shouldn’t talk about my kid and at home not to talk about work. We can’t exist like this, it’s insane.