International Men's Day to be marked by MPs with debate in chamber of the House of Commons
MPs will hold a debate to mark International Men's Day in the main Chamber of the House of Commons for the first time in what one MP says could become a new annual tradition.
MPs will hold a debate in the main Chamber of the House of Commons
Philip Davies, who called the debate, dismissed criticisms that it is a stunt and said that it is right that International Men's Day is given the same attention as International Women's Day.
The Tory MP for Shipley said serious issues including suicide rates and educational under-achievement will be discussed.
He told the Press Association: "We have had a debate for many years on International Women's Day in the main Chamber to coincide with that.
"So people thought it was only right that we have the debate to consider the issues around International Men's Day in the Chamber as well, to give it the same kind of prominence."
Parliament held a debate to mark the day for the first time last year, but the move sparked controversy and opposition from some female MPs.
Labour's Jess Phillips, the only female member of the Backbench Business Committee which allocates some parliamentary debates, hit out at the suggestion, saying, "it seems like every day to me is International Men's Day".
Labour's Jess Phillips is the only female member of the Backbench Business Committee
But given that these issues don't often get discussed, it is just a useful way to highlight some of these issues
But Mr Davies said the debate is far less controversial this year.
He said: "I know some people have been very disparaging about this, saying every day is International Men's Day and all the rest of it, but there is a big difference between men raising issues and the raising of men's issues.
"And yes, men raise lots of issues in Parliament, but not very often are men's issues raised in Parliament.
"Last year when I was asking for this debate for the first time, we had a bit of push back and it was much more controversial.
"It was more controversial last year, this year it seems to be much more accepted that there are legitimate areas where men are suffering."
He said the debate is "not men versus women" but a serious attempt to discuss issues that adversely affect men.
The backbench Business Debate will be held tomorrow
He added: "This is not a stunt at all. In many respects I would prefer that neither were necessary and I would rather the issues were mainstream and you didn't have to have an International Men's Day to raise men's issue or an International Women's Day to raise women's issues.
"But given that these issues don't often get discussed, it is just a useful way to highlight some of these issues."
The backbench Business Debate will be held tomorrow.