Labour MPs aim to combat toxic masculinity influences

A group of Labour MPs is working to help young men avoid harmful influences in society. They want to promote positive messages about fatherhood and better paternity rights. Many of these MPs represent “red wall” constituencies and are worried about men being influenced by toxic role models. Former England football manager Gareth Southgate has voiced concerns about these negative influencers taking over traditional father figures. He noted that young men today often feel isolated and struggle with their identity. Southgate warned that these influencers do not have young men's best interests at heart and can be manipulative. Labour MPs, including Shaun Davies from Telford, support Southgate’s views. They believe it is important for the party to share positive role models and encourage men to be better fathers and caregivers. Many MPs are joining forces, forming a new group of about 30 members to address issues related to masculinity. Their efforts include a campaign for improved paternity leave, prompted by the Dad Shift group. A special day of action is planned for April 4 to raise awareness, coinciding with the 21st anniversary of the introduction of statutory paid paternity leave in the UK. Labour is becoming increasingly concerned about the rising threat from the Reform UK party and the gender divide in support for it. Davies criticized other political parties for not truly supporting men’s rights. Current paternity leave in the UK is considered one of the worst in Europe, with only two weeks available at a low pay rate. Activists, including Labour MP Stella Creasy, are calling for a government review of all parental leave rights to ensure better support for fathers. The upcoming employment rights bill could help bring more fathers into the paternity leave system. Labour MPs believe that focusing on issues like paternity leave can improve equality for both genders. There’s also a need to engage men in discussions around feminism, as recent surveys show young men are less supportive of feminist movements compared to young women. George Gabriel, co-founder of the Dad Shift, emphasized that men should be more involved in promoting equality. He praised prominent figures like Southgate for standing against negative influences in society. Lastly, Labour leader Keir Starmer acknowledged the impact of online culture on young men and stressed the importance of tackling this issue.