Seizing the Moment: Changing the Political Discourse on Men and Boys in the UK - Alistair Strathern MP

How is policy towards men and boys developing in the UK, at a time when masculinity is on the agenda more than ever? What is the approach of the governing Labour Party, and what more could they do? And how can we make sure the voices and experiences of women and girls are not sidelined in the process? What is the gendered culture of the UK Parliament like today? And how can men in politics model a different kind of masculinity? Following the huge political upheaval in the UK recently with the appointment of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister, in this episode we talk to Alistair Strathern MP about some of the key policy issues currently under discussion in relation to masculinity and gender equality. These include extending paternity leave, increasing the numbers of male teachers, protecting young people from the manosphere, and men’s role in preventing violence against women. Alistair is Labour MP for the constituency of Hitchin, just north of London. He co-chairs the Labour Group for Men and Boys, which is “a campaigning group of MPs pushing the Labour Government to speak to young men and build a better masculinity”. He is a former maths teacher and climate insurance lead at the Bank of England. He’s just been re-appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Treasury, acting as a two-way link between ministers and backbench MPs.Alistair’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alistairstrathernmpEpisode timeline:IntroWhy the Labour Group on Men and Boys was set up (02:31-04:17)Labour’s approach to men and boys (04:17-05:34)What issues the group is focusing on (05:34-10:45)Improving parental leave for fathers (10:45-13:34)How to make sure women’s voices and experiences aren’t marginalised (13:34-16:09)Men’s role in challenging violence against women (16:09-18:15)The discourse on male role models (18:15-21:52)The gendered culture of Parliament (21:52-24:50)The role of men politicians in offering leadership (24:50-26:25)Where Alistair’s passion for masculinity issues comes from (26:25-28:48)Men’s responses to the nature and climate emergencies (28:48-31:25)Seizing the opportunities of the current moment (31:25-32:59)Count Binface and masculinity? (32:59-34:48)Conclusion: Policy considerations surrounding men and masculinities (34:48-49:26)More info: The Spooky Men’s ChoraleBeyond EqualityFSB – Federation of Small Businesses‘Building Bridges’: Principles for work with men and boys to end violence against women and girlsEquimundoMencareWhite Ribbon UKProf Becky FrancisHarriet HarmanProf Steven RobertsMusic: 'Now is time', courtesy of Chaps' Choir and Dom Stichbury. Please note that the transcript is a rough estimation and is likely to contain errors. Please do not reproduce without permission.