Meg hosts childcare event in Parliament

I was delighted to welcome Homerton mum Raminta Diliso to Parliament this week to discuss the rising costs of childcare.

With 80% of women planning to return to work after having children and childcare costs for under twos rising 33% in the last five years, many parents are struggling to cope.

Good quality, affordable childcare that fits around the lives of real working mums, like Raminta, is essential if we are to see working women fulfil their full potential. Children in their early years also benefit from trained childcarers when their parents work.

I'm backing a pledge to increase free childcare - but I'd like to see more support, especially in expensive London.

Meg hosted the event with the National Childcare Trust and the Family and Childcare Trust.