29/01/2026
A busy, long full council this evening.
Councillor Vicky McGurk responds in support of the motion welcoming the Government’s recognition of pregnancy loss as part of the Employment Rights Act, and seeking that the Government extend this recognition to providing a minimum two weeks bereavement leave for those parents affected by pregnancy or baby loss, regardless of when their baby dies. It’s not often a Council meeting is described as ‘moving’ or ‘poignant’ but this evening’s Blackburn with Darwen Council Forum will truly be remembered as a night when party politics were put to one side. A series of important public questions, notably ending with questions from Sarah Bernasconi-Parsons and Joanne Edwards - both of whom are leading campaigners on baby loss support following their own personal experiences. Questions were followed by motions on pregnancy loss bereavement, graduated driving licences (following the tragic death of Mosrab Ali in the recent car accident on Wigan Road, Bolton), and on tackling social media regulation for under 16s. All motions were approved unanimously. All Councillors across the chamber were commended for their contributions.
