Andy Burnham, the UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, is facing increasing pressure from within his own party to improve paternity leave provisions in the upcoming budget. More than a quarter of Labour MPs have written to Burnham urging him to take action, citing the need to address the cost of living crisis and support low-income fathers who struggle to afford paternity leave. With the first budget of the year approaching, 105 MPs have called for an increase in statutory paternity leave, arguing that it would not only help families but also be a politically appealing policy that could resonate with voters. The MPs’ letter, coordinated by Labour peer Frances O’Grady and supported by several high-profile figures within the party, emphasizes that many fathers, particularly in areas like Burnham’s constituency of Makerfield, cannot afford to take time off work after the birth of a child. The letter also highlights the disparity in how paternity leave is used across the UK, with higher earners in regions like London and the south-east more likely to take leave than those in other parts of the country. The MPs argue that increasing paid paternity leave to six weeks at 90% of earnings could generate £2.6bn in economic growth, benefiting families and local economies nationwide. Campaigners and advocacy groups have long criticized the UK’s paternity leave policy, which ranks among the least generous in the developed world. Employed fathers receive only two weeks of statutory paternity leave, paid at £187.18 per week—less than half of the national living wage. This accounts for just 1.9% of all government spending on parental leave. In response to these concerns, 48 charities, unions, and academics recently called on Burnham to overhaul the system, warning that the current setup makes parenthood less financially viable and has significant economic and social consequences. In August, thousands of parents participated in a “parent strike” organized by groups such as Mother Pukka and the Dad Shift to demand better leave policies. These campaigns highlight the growing public and political consensus that improving paternity leave could both boost the economy and offer much-needed support to families. A government spokesperson acknowledged the importance of supporting families after childbirth and noted that recent changes have already expanded paternity leave eligibility, with a full review of parental pay and leave currently underway.