Sunderland MP slams Government over sexist 'out of touch' lockdown advert

A Sunderland MP has slammed a sexist government ‘stay home, save lives’ advert.
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The poster – which shows one graphic of a woman reclining in a man’s arms on the sofa followed by three images of women looking after children and doing housework – has been withdrawn by the Government following a backlash over its depiction of women.

Sharing the advert on Twitter, Bridget Phillipson, Labour MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, said: “A few days after the Chancellor praised mums for managing childcare during the pandemic, here comes a government graphic that puts women back 'in their place'.

"How out of touch can this government get?”

The advert has since been withdrawn by the Government. Right: Bridget PhillipsonThe advert has since been withdrawn by the Government. Right: Bridget Phillipson
The advert has since been withdrawn by the Government. Right: Bridget Phillipson
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The advert has faced a wave of criticism online and the Prime Minister’s official spokesman confirmed earlier today (Thursday, January 28) that the poster had been withdrawn.

The spokesman said: “I will make clear that it does not reflect the Government’s view on women which is why we have withdrawn it.”

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Asked whether the infographic was checked before being produced, they said: “We have provided and have produced information throughout the pandemic to try and ensure that we can communicate our key messages, specifically around the importance of staying at home to protect the NHS and to save lives.”

The image sparked fury online, Kate Jarman, an NHS manager, said: “What the actual WOMEN DO MORE THAN CHILDCARE AND HOUSEWORK is this?”

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Pragya Agarwal, a data scientist, also said: “Who made this? And who approved it?

“Heteronormative. Reinforcing the view that it is a woman’s job to homeschool, clean, do the childcare.

“Are the men out there fighting a war or something?”

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