Equality: Break Down Barriers to Opportunity Mission

Baroness Nargund Excerpts

Wednesday 25th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

We have a commitment to look at what works and to make sure we put young people at the heart of everything we do. An example of something that happened post Brexit is that UK cities kept their relationships with European cities, even though we are outside of the EU. We are looking at what works and at how we can improve and enhance opportunities that will help take young people forward.

[Baroness Nargund (Lab)]

My Lords, I declare my interests as founder and trustee of the Health Equality Foundation and chair of The Pipeline, a gender parity consultancy. I welcome and applaud the Government’s commitment to break down the barriers to opportunity in this mission. The motherhood penalty remains a persistent barrier and a key driver of gender inequality. The latest report published by the Health Equality Foundation shows that 24% of women have either left jobs or reduced work due to childcare challenges. Can my noble friend the Minister say what the Government will do in this mission to address gender inequality and opportunities?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

The aspect of gender inequality which my noble friend referred to has been well documented, and there is a lot of evidence to support what she described. That is why we are so focused on giving support during early years to help new mothers and young mothers cope with motherhood itself. We are also providing for more childcare and all the things that support and enable women to return, in full capacity, to the workforce.