Groundbreaking ‘Period Poverty’ motion passed by Lib Dems

Almost 3 years ago, Scotland became the first country in the world to protect in law the right to access free period products for anyone who needed them. Today, the Liberal Democrats voted to introduce the same right for people across the UK.  

During the worst cost of living crisis in decades, the charity Bloody Good Period has estimated the average spend on sanitary products at £120 per year.  

The Liberal Democrats believe that period products are a necessity, not a luxury, and they should be treated as such because people of all ages should be able to participate fully in life with dignity. An estimated 6 million women have avoided or missed exercise and 2 million women have avoided or missed work due to being on their period in the last year.  

Polling from Plan International reveals that over a quarter (28 percent) of women and girls aged 14-21 in the UK are struggling to afford period products. The Liberal Democrats say that people are still forced to make agonizing choices between basic health needs and other daily essentials.  

In May, Lambeth Liberal Democrats won their campaign to have free tampons and pads available in local libraries, council offices, leisure centres, and community centres throughout the borough. The council will now also deliver to those most in need throughout Lambeth.   

At their Autumn Conference, the Liberal Democrats have made it their Party’s policy to see this approach rolled out in GP surgeries, homeless shelters, women’s refuges, foodbanks, universities, and workplaces.  

Commenting, Cllr Donna Harris, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition Group on Lambeth Council, said:  

“Our motion represents a crucial step towards a fairer, more equal society where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can access the period products they need to manage their health with dignity. 

“Ending period poverty is not just a matter of compassion – it is a basic human right, and Liberal Democrat members have voted unanimously to recognise that today. 

“At the heart of Liberal Democrat philosophy is the belief in social justice and equal opportunities for all. This groundbreaking motion is a resounding testament that we are leading the way in championing these causes.” 

Janey Little, Chair of Liberal Democrat Young Liberals, said:  

“Nobody should have to face the indignity and distress of period poverty. It is unacceptable that, in this day and age, people are still forced to make agonising choices between basic health needs and other daily essentials.” 

Rachel Grocott, CEO of Bloody Good Period, said:  

“We believe that period products should be freely available to everyone who needs them but, as the prolonged and severe cost of living crisis persists, we are seeing rising and record levels of need from our community partners.  

“We’ve delivered more than 375,000 packs of menstrual products, yet we’re not able to meet at least 40 percent of the demand we’re currently experiencing.”