Babies and Infants (Allergy Guidance) Bill

On Tuesday 2nd September, Becky Gittins MP presented her Babies and Infants (Allergy Guidance) Bill to Parliament. Becky’s bill calls for a much-needed review of allergy guidance on baby and infant weaning and the safe introduction of allergens for children at higher risk of developing food allergy, and more proactive work to prevent allergies. 

Studies show that up to 8% of babies will develop a food allergy in the UK, and that introducing allergenic foods in the first year of life can have a huge impact in building tolerance. However, this requires healthcare professionals in the community with a good level of allergy knowledge, to support parents and carers to prevent anxiety and give best practice advice early on. 

Presenting her bill, Becky argued that: 

Better addressing allergy at primary care level is a relatively simple but hugely effective way of moving the allergy conversation towards prevention.

She went in to explain that the bill was intended to “empower our NHS to give the best, most medically appropriate information to parents at a time when they can be at their most anxious” and that “(the bill) must be supported by education and awareness campaigns, together with training for the different healthcare professionals who support these new parents so that the advice they give is consistent and reflects best practice.” 

We are grateful for her tireless work as part of and on behalf of the allergic community and to the Members of Parliament who stand with Becky in supporting her vital bill. These members are: 

  • Jim Shannon (DUP, Strangford) 
  • Chris Bloore (Labour, Redditch) 
  • Alex McIntyre (Labour, Gloucester) 
  • Sarah Coombes (Labour, West Bromwich) 
  • Kirith Entwistle (Labour, Bolton North East) 
  • Jodie Gosling (Labour, Nuneaton) 
  • Maya Ellis (Labour, Ribble Valley) 
  • Pam Cox (Labour, Colchester) 
  • Claire Huges (Labour, Bangor Aberconwy) 
  • Satvir Kaur (Labour, Southampton Test) 
  • Catherine Fookes (Labour, Monmouthshire) 

The bill returns to the House of Commons for its second reading on Friday 12th September and we call upon policymakers to support this vital legislation. 

You can read the full transcript of Becky’s speech here.