VAT on period pants

That this House recognises the work done by WUKA Wear who have worked hard to promote the use of reusable menstrual products; references research carried out by WUKA Wear which found that 4.3 billion menstrual products are used each year, all of which goes to landfill or ends up in the ocean; notes that reusable period pants, which are environmentally friendly are an effective method to combat this; believes that period pants should have the 20 per cent VAT removed; notes with regret the Government’s recent announcement which suggests they will consider removing VAT on period pants for children under the age of 14 and with size limitations, which reinforces harmful body ideals and negates the reality that menstruation can occur after the age of 14; further recognises that all menstrual products are essential items and should be exempt from VAT; and calls on the Government to reconsider its position and remove the 20 per cent VAT on period pants and all other menstrual products.