UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A group of Labour MPs warns that ignoring young men’s concerns allows toxic influencers to dominate and calls for better parenting rights and male role models.
As reported by the Guardian, dozens of Labour MPs are joining forces to tackle toxic online influences, promoting responsible fatherhood to support young men.
A newly established group of mostly male MPs from “red wall” constituencies warn that by failing to engage with male voters, the party is allowing right-wing influencers to shape the conversation on masculinity.
What did Gareth Southgate say about toxic influencers?
Gareth Southgate, ex-England manager, expressed concern that harmful online figures are taking over the role of traditional figures in society.
Mr Southgate, known for his unique leadership during his tenure as England’s manager, revealed that many parents have shared worries with him regarding the struggles faced by boys and young men in today’s society.
He stated,
“Young men are suffering. They are feeling isolated. They’re grappling with their masculinity and with their broader place in society,”
adding,
“And this void is filled by a new kind of role model who does not have their best interests at heart. These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers whose sole drive is for their gain.”
How did Shaun Davies respond to Southgate’s concerns?
Shaun Davies, MP for Telford, said that Southgate’s comments on toxic masculinity strongly resonated with Labour MPs in the new group working to address the issue.
He added,
“Southgate’s message absolutely underlines the work that we are doing in parliament and the work that we want the government to do, which is to provide positive role models to boys and also support for men to be better dads and better caregivers.”
Mr Davies said, “Unfortunately, if we don’t get a positive message out there, people who don’t have the best interests of boys and men at heart will be able to fill that void and exploit it.”
He continued,
“Reform and the Tories pretend to be pro-men, but actually they sell out men by not voting for policies like more flexibility at work. There’s a misrepresentation around what masculinity is, when … every bit of research shows that this generation of dads want to be with their kids.”
Who is part of the new Westminster alliance?
A growing movement in Westminster is tackling challenges faced by boys and men, driven by a coalition of around 30 male and female MPs.
Key members include:
- Gregor Poynton – MP for Livingston
- Jon Pearce – MP for High Peak
- Luke Charters – MP for York Outer
What did Dad Shift ask Keir Starmer?
A new parliamentary initiative has emerged after a letter from the campaign group Dad Shift to Keir Starmer. They urged him to address the issue. MPs supporting the cause are actively coordinating policy discussions, meeting government officials, and engaging with ministers.
On April 4, a synchronized campaign will be launched to engage fathers across communities, 21 years after Labour first introduced paid paternity leave.
What did Creasy say about parental leave?
Under pressure from campaigners and backbench MPs, including Stella Creasy, the government has committed to reviewing parental leave rights. The upcoming employment rights bill will address calls for better-paid and protected leave for partners and fathers.
Ms Creasy, MP for Walthamstow in east London,
“At the moment the bill risks reinforcing the idea that it’s still a battle between the sexes,”
adding,
“Politicians are still behind the curve on this, and our constituents urgently need us to push for the world they want to live in.”
How will the new bill support fathers and partners?
The proposed bill aims to expand paternity leave eligibility to an additional 30,000 fathers and partners and establish parental leave as a right from the first day of employment.
MP Lola McEvoy of Darlington praised the progress but urged further reforms, stating,
“This is a significant step, but with a new government in place, we must push for even more improvements.”
What did George Gabriel say about men’s role inequality?
George Gabriel, co-founder of the Dad Shift, stated that men have not played a significant role in the fight for gender equality, a cause now entangled in culture wars.
He stated,
“We urgently need to get the vast majority of equality-minded men speaking up, and the way to do that is to focus on issues – like paternity leave – that are good for men, good for women and good for society.”
What did Keir Starmer reveal about incel culture?
Labour leader stated,
“At home, we are watching Adolescence. I’ve got a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl, and it’s a very good drama to watch. This violence carried out by young men, influenced by what they see online, is a real problem,”
adding,
“It’s abhorrent, and we have to tackle it.”