AN SNP MP is celebrating after a hard-fought campaign culminated in the announcement of plans to increase family leave for parents of sick and premature babies.

David Linden, the MP for Glasgow East whose two children were born prematurely, has been battling for more flexible leave for parents whose children and born prematurely, and has criticised the government over a lack of progress.

Now, in one of her final acts as Prime Minister, Theresa May has launched a consultation on increasing leave when babies are premature, as well as equalising leave allowances so that all fathers can take more time off with their children.

Linden said: “For so many of us who have been through the distress of having children born premature or sick, this has been a long and hard-fought campaign.

“When I stood in the hospital last year watching my prematurely born daughter struggling for breath, I knew I had to use my position as an MP to influence change and secure better employment rights for other parents.

“It is vital that this step is meaningfully followed through, and whoever takes over in Downing Street next week must secure and strengthen those rights by introducing legislation and not rolling back.”

The government consultation asks questions about whether statutory paternity leave for fathers and same-sex partners should be changed.

At present, the time granted by the law for parental leave is often superseded by the time spent by a baby in neonatal care. Under current UK legislation, fathers receive a maximum of two weeks paid paternity leave and must use it within the first 56 days after their child is born.