Politics round-up: Equality in Parliament and austerity bites

Did you know that women make up 51% of the population but 77% of MP’s are men? I wrote about the lack of women in politics a few months ago and wondered what could be done to encourage more women to get involved. I am not sure how best to achieve balance, but I do think government would be better for it! I met a representative of 50:50 Parliament at the weekend, have a look at their website and sign the petition that is asking for both debate and action on the issue.

Now onto what has got our bloggers writing this month:

Kiddy Charts wrote about the Google hangout she attended with BritMums and Jo Swinson, the junior equalities minister. They were discussing shared parental leave, read Helen’s write up of the discussion or watch the video of the hangout here.

In Sonny and Luca‘s post ‘Austerity Bites‘, he looks at the cuts to the Children, Families and Wellbeing budget in his local area. He looks at the effects this will have on children, and then talks about a subject close to my heart, being a modern day passive activist – is it enough to sign a petition or write a ranty post – or should we get off our backside and take proper action.

Jayne at Mums The Word opens up the vaccine debate, wondering if unvaccinated kids should be allowed places in state schools. She says she is ‘passionate about the right to make personal decisions freely, especially when it comes to ones children, but I also wonder what the implications of those decisions are when putting lots of other children at risk’. What do you think? Head over and join the discussion.

Looking For Blue Sky has a message for those who think they want tax cuts, wondering if they have realised the repercussions for public services they may well need one day.

And my own ramble this month looked at people power – in the world of increased support for the Green Party, UKIP and Russell Brand, it seems people are looking for new options when it comes to voting, tired of the traditional 3 parties. John Lydon said you have to vote, you may only have a lousy choice, but it’s better than no choice. I say wouldn’t it be better if we had an amazing option to go for. I just hope someone steps up with a manifesto we can all get behind.

That’s all for this month, do keep me posted with what YOU have to say, tweet me your political posts @sonyacisco, I love hearing your opinions.