‘Society needs children’: Alan Johnson joins calls for better paid UK paternity leave

The Guardian UK Friday 25 September 2026, 18:39 UTC By Alexandra Topping, political correspondent 1 min read

Key Points

The former Labour heavyweight said new policy should be introduced in the autumn budget as the law has to move with the timesParliament was in recess when Tony Blair called Alan Johnson up to his flat above Number 11. The former prime minister was relaxed, padding around in his socks, while his son Leo played with his toys. Johnson, then the education secretary, spoke about his own son from his second marriage, who was a similar age.“Tony said: ‘Oh you’re a father?’,” recalled Johnson.

The former Labour heavyweight said new policy should be introduced in the autumn budget as the law has to move with the times

Parliament was in recess when Tony Blair called Alan Johnson up to his flat above Number 11. The former prime minister was relaxed, padding around in his socks, while his son Leo played with his toys. Johnson, then the education secretary, spoke about his own son from his second marriage, who was a similar age.

“Tony said: ‘Oh you’re a father?’,” recalled Johnson. “I said: ‘Tony, I had three kids by the age of 20!’. He looked at me and said: ‘So you really are working class …’”

Alan Johnson (PERSON) UK (LOCATION) Labour (ORG) Tony Blair (PERSON) Leo (PERSON) Johnson (PERSON) Tony (PERSON)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

Australia's cross-border couples urge government to reconsider delaying offshore partner visas Each day feels like a window is closing for Nadine Chamas, who wants to start a family but is facing indefinite separation from her husband, Aboudi Alsaidy, in Lebanon. The 44-year-old's doctors had advised her to remain in Australia if she planned to become pregnant due to her medical condition. However, Mr Alsaidy has been waiting for a partner visa so that they could be reunited in Australia.

ABC Australia 14m ago

Fed’s Hammack Says Yields Reflect Growth, US Debt and Rate Path

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Beth Hammack said long-term Treasury yields are being driven higher by a stronger growth outlook, concerns about government debt and expectations for additional interest-rate increases from the US central bank.

Bloomberg Markets 18m ago

Pentagon quietly adds dozens to tally of troops wounded amid Iran war

The Pentagon’s public tally of troops wounded during the Iran war was quietly increased by 37 this week without explanation from the Defense Department. Democracy Dies in Darkness Pentagon quietly adds dozens to tally of troops wounded amid Iran war With the addition of 29 U.S. sailors and eight Marines, the total number of personnel wounded since the start of hostilities has risen to 861, database shows.

Washington Post Politics 19m ago

Pete Hegseth promotes mail-in voting for troops — as the Trump administration tries to restrict it

Pete Hegseth promotes mail-in voting for troops — as the Trump administration tries to restrict it Defense secretary tells service members their midterms ballots will be counted after the administration’s failed legal battle to overhaul elections - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is calling on U.S. service members and their families to remember to register to vote and cast their...

The Independent World 21m ago

‘Society needs children’: Alan Johnson joins calls for better paid UK paternity leave

Related Stories

'More falling in love overseas' but thousands face long wait to reunite

Fed’s Hammack Says Yields Reflect Growth, US Debt and Rate Path

Pentagon quietly adds dozens to tally of troops wounded amid Iran war

Pete Hegseth promotes mail-in voting for troops — as the Trump administration tries to restrict it