We Did It: 100,000 Signatures — But This Is Just the Beginning
In July 2025, we reached a monumental milestone: over 100,000 people have now signed the petition to End Parenting Poverty. That’s 100,000 voices demanding that the government finally acknowledge a truth we’ve been shouting for far too long: statutory maternity and parental pay is not enough to live on.
This milestone means our campaign must now be considered for debate in Parliament — and that’s a huge step. But it’s not the finish line. Not even close.
What This Means
Hitting 100k signatures means politicians can no longer ignore this. It means our message — that parenting is work, that families deserve better, and that no one should be pushed into poverty for having a child — has real, visible public backing.
But a debate won’t change the law on its own. It’s a platform — and what we do with it now matters more than ever.
What Comes Next
We're turning our focus to Parliament. To ensure this debate doesn’t happen behind closed doors, we need:
MPs to show up — physically and vocally.
Constituents to keep the pressure on — by emailing, calling, and meeting their MPs.
Continued public support — because every new signature, share, or post adds weight.
We're also continuing to build awareness through creative campaigns like the Receipt Project, our documentary-in-progress, media interviews, and partnerships with organisations across the country.
Why It Matters
Statutory maternity pay is just £184.03 per week — that’s less than minimum wage, and far below the real cost of living. With energy prices, food bills, and rent rising, thousands of new parents are pushed into debt or forced back to work before they’re ready. That isn’t choice — that’s survival.
Parenting shouldn’t come with a financial penalty. This is about justice, equity, and giving every child the best start in life.
Thank You — And Keep Going
To everyone who’s signed, shared, talked about this campaign over dinner, or walked the protest route with us — thank you. Your support got us here.
But now’s the time to turn that energy into action.
Let’s show them this isn’t a moment.
It’s a movement.