PROMOTING THE
1001 CRITICAL DAYS
AROUND THE WORLD

The Speaker of the UK House of Commons signed the first declaration to pledge his support for our campaign. As a father and grandfather, Sir Lindsay has championed family friendly practices in Parliament and across the world, reflecting his belief that every baby deserves the best start in life.

Lord Blunkett, our Patron, was pleased to show his support for our campaign by signing the declaration pledge. Lord Blunkett is a father of four and as a member of Cabinet in 1997, he introduced Sure Start, a pioneering early childhood programme. Drawing from his own early experience of poverty, he remains a powerful advocate for targeted support and educational access to ensure every baby can flourish.

As both a mother and a grandmother, Dame Harriet has volunteered with Home Start to support families with young children and backed initiatives like ‘Working Families’ to promote workplace flexibility. Her experience in social investment and parliamentary work on welfare reflects a strong commitment to family support and ensuring every baby benefits from the best start.

Dame Karen Bradley MP was delighted to show her support for our campaign. A mother of two, Dame Karen chaired parliamentary reforms to support MPs with babies in the Chamber and championed child protection initiatives. From safeguarding policy to local education funding, she signed the declaration to ensure every baby benefits from safety, support, and opportunity from the very start.

Baroness Laing, with a strong track record in advancing childcare and promoting support for working parents, is backing our campaign to help every baby around the world experience the best start in life. A proud mother with decades of parliamentary leadership, she emphasised in Commons debates that a baby’s early development is “so, so important.”

Dr Caroline Johnson MP, showing her commitment to giving every baby the best start in life. A mother of three and a practising paediatrician, Dr Johnson brings first-hand clinical insight and parliamentary advocacy to her support of early years. She has championed improved neonatal and maternity care, welcomed national funding for family hubs focused on the first 1001 days, and chairs the APPG for children needing palliative care. Her signature of the declaration reflects her unwavering commitment to every baby’s right to a healthy, supported start in life.

Gagan Mohindra MP, with a big smile and a big commitment, is backing our vision for the 1001 critical days. Gagan has supported a wide range of family-focused initiatives in his constituency, backing local nurseries and supporting community services that help families thrive. By signing the declaration, he affirms his belief that every baby deserves the best start in life.

Louie French MP joins a growing global movement as he signs the 1001 Critical Days declaration. Louie has actively supported the expansion of free childcare in his borough, benefiting over 1,200 local families and empowering parents with young children. Through advocating for quality early education, local nursery support, and school investment, he signed the declaration to affirm that every baby deserves the best start in life.

Joy Morrissey MP is standing up for babies by supporting our campaign. A mother and former social justice worker, Joy brings both personal and policy-driven commitment to early years. She has championed expanded childcare funding, clearer access to family hubs, and robust support for vulnerable children, including SEND provision. By signing the declaration, she affirms her support for ensuring every baby receives the best start in life.

Lord Nash’s commitment to early years reform is demonstrated through his leadership in sponsoring the Childcare Act 2016 and Children and Families Act 2014. He has helped to deliver expanded childcare support, including tax free childcare and universal free hours, while championing protective measures for vulnerable infants and children. By signing the declaration, Lord Nash affirms his belief that every baby deserves the best start in life.

As Co‑Chair of the cross‑party Early Years Commission and former Shadow Minister for Children and Families, Sharon Hodgson MP champions evidence-based reform to ensure every child’s first 1001 days are supported. Her signature underscores that building strong, supported starts for babies is at the heart of social progress.

Championing local Family Hub delivery and rural health access, Sarah Bool MP brings grassroots dedication to early-years support. By signing our declaration, she is helping to ensure that babies and parents in every community receive the care and support they need from day one.

With experience as a trustee of the Foundling Museum and governor of the children's charity Coram, Lord Russell of Liverpool has dedicated decades to promoting the welfare of young people. His signature underscores that early childhood support is a shared societal responsibility.

Lord John Mann, a father of three and lifelong advocate for social justice, brings both empathy and experience to our cause, grounded in a career of standing up for communities in need. His signature reinforces the urgent message that every baby deserves protection, care, and the strongest possible start in life.

As Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Babies (Pregnancy to Age 2), Dr Kieran Mullan MP plays a vital role in advancing evidence-based early years policy rooted in the experience of families and professionals. His signature of the declaration underscores his commitment to shaping a society where every baby’s first 1001 days truly matter.

John Lamont MP has consistently championed strong support for families and communities, recognising that the early years shape a child’s entire future. By signing the 1001 Critical Days Declaration, he reinforces the vital message that every baby deserves the best possible start in life.

Ben Lake MP, Plaid Cymru’s spoken voice for health, education, and rural communities, brings invaluable commitment to early years through his political roles. His signing of the 1001 Critical Days Declaration signals that building strong futures for every baby is underpinned by inclusive public policy.

A Life Peer with a strong interest in early years and education, Baroness Wyld serves on the board of Ofsted and has contributed to maternity and children’s welfare debates in Parliament. By adding her name to our declaration, she sends a powerful reminder: policy and practice must centre the earliest days, because when babies thrive, society thrives.

As a former charity CEO who led Tomorrow’s People, supporting families facing unemployment and hardship, Baroness Stedman-Scott brings deep dedication to supporting vulnerable communities from the start. Her endorsement strengthens our message that every baby deserves a chance to thrive.

A former NHS surgeon and Army medical officer, Dr Shastri-Hurst has championed child-centred care, securing funding for children’s hospices and pushing reform of the family courts to put children’s welfare first. His signature signals practical commitment to supporting babie and their families in the first 1,001 days.

A committed champion for infant health and social justice, Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP has actively campaigned for neonatal support, bereavement care, and accessible family services. By signing the declaration, she underscores that strong early support is essential to giving every baby the best start in life.

Jess Brown-Fuller MP is Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Infant Feeding and has been a powerful advocate for parental support and early years health. By signing the declaration, she strengthens the call to put infant wellbeing at the heart of national policy.

Rachael Maskell MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Adoption and Permanence, has been a vocal advocate for restoring Children’s Centres and improving early-help services. Her signature reinforces the belief that families and babies flourish when supported right from the start.

As a former lecturer in early years education, co-owner of a children’s nursery and officer of the Children in Wales APPG, Ann brings first-hand experience and policy-driven passion to our cause. By signing the 1001 Critical Days Declaration, she reinforces that every baby deserves the best start in life, because family support, early education, and strong communities matter from day one.

A life peer and former senior political adviser, Lord Gascoigne’s support adds meaningful weight to our mission. By signing the 1001 Critical Days Declaration, he underscores that policy must consider the future - the first 1,001 days - because babies’ earliest relationships and wellbeing matter deeply.

Jess Asato MP, Member of Parliament for Lowestoft, has added her name to our 1001 Critical Days Declaration, affirming that every baby deserves the best start in life. With a background campaigning on children’s issues, working with young carers, and pushing for strengthened support for families in her constituency, Jess’s support brings fresh energy and commitment to our mission.

A Life Peer who has served in government roles across International Development and Sustainable Development and now Chairs Plan International UK. Baroness Sugg’s long-standing work on the rights, health, and education of children globally adds powerful momentum to our declaration. By signing, she reaffirms that every baby deserves the best start in life, from the earliest days, in every community.

A Life Peer and former Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Baroness Penn has participated in legislative business related to childcare fees and the Early Years Foundation Stage. By signing the 1001 Critical Days Declaration, she joins leaders pushing for stronger early support for babies and parents, reinforcing that every baby deserves the best start in life.

Owe Ingemann Waltherzøe MP, as the founder of the Industry and Business Party and now at the helm of the newly formed DNI, brings significant grassroots support and regional reach in Norway. Owe’s signature strengthens our declaration by signalling that even emerging voices in Norwegian politics already recognise the importance of supporting every baby’s best start in life.

As a member of the Standing Committee on Health and Care Services in Norway, Tove Elise Madland MP proudly signed our 1001 Critical Days Declaration because she believes all babies deserve the best start in life.

With Lene Vågslid MP serving as Norway’s Minister of Children and Families, her endorsement carries real weight. By signing the 1001 Critical Days Declaration, she helps lead the charge in showing policymakers that every baby deserves the best possible start in life.

In her role as Minister of Labour and Social Inclusion, Tonje Brenna’s endorsement shows that building supportive systems - from work-life balance to social welfare - is critical for nurturing every infant. Her signing of the declaration brings early-years priorities into the heart of national policymaking.

Grete Wold MP is a former social work consultant and now serving on Norway's Education & Research Committee. She brings hands-on expertise in mental health and public services to our mission. Grete’s endorsement of the 1001 Critical Days demonstrates that early support for babies must be rooted in strong, compassionate systems.

As a youthful voice in Norway’s government - elected at just 27 - Andreas Sjalg Unneland MP brings energy and progressive values to the cause. His signature shows that the next generation of leaders is committed to building a world where every baby gets the best start in life.

As State Secretary for Health and Care Services in Norway, Ellen Rønning‑Arnesen’s endorsement underscores the essential role of health policy in nurturing every baby’s earliest days. Her signature shows that supporting babies through their first 1001 days of life must be central to national healthcare priorities.

As Norway’s Second Deputy Leader of the Christian Democratic Party and former deputy chair of the Family and Culture Committee, Jorunn Gleditsch Lossius brings seasoned family-policy insight to our campaign. Her signature amplifies the message that strong early-life support must be a cornerstone of global values and governance.

At just 27, Ida Lindtveit Røse stepped in as Norway’s youngest-ever Minister of Children and Families - her leadership continues to inspire early childhood prioritisation. Ida’s signature reinforces that supporting every baby is not just policy, it’s a generational mission.

Kathrine Kleveland has a proud grin as she shares her signed Declaration in support of every baby experiencing the best start in life. As a member of the Standing Committee on Local Government and Public Administration in Norway, Kathrine’s advocacy for the 1001 Critical Days is significant in furthering our mission.

As Norway’s first Somali-born MP and Deputy Leader of the Socialist Left Party, Marian Abdi Hussein brings both representation and social empathy to our cause. Her signature underscores that inclusive, health-informed leadership is key to giving every baby the best possible start in life.

As Norway’s current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide brings global diplomatic weight and a strong voice for international well-being to our campaign. His signature underscores that ensuring every baby the best start in life extends beyond borders and belongs at the heart of global policymaking.

Manuela Perteghella MP brings experience as a former lecturer, school governor, and mother of three to her role. She has spoken in Parliament about the crisis in recruitment & retention in the early years sector and advocated for improved support for children with trauma, SEND and adoption-related issues. By signing the 1001 Critical Days Declaration, she underscores that every baby deserves the best start in life and well-resourced early learning and strong family support is a core element in achieving this.

Dr Simon Opher MP - GP, health campaigner and MP for Stroud - has signed our Declaration. His long-standing dedication to early intervention and community health makes him a powerful ally for every baby’s best start in life.

Julian Smith MP has signed the 1001 Critical Days Declaration, adding his support to our mission to give every baby the best start in life. His long-standing interest in strengthening community resilience and supporting families makes him a welcome advocate for early years policy.

We’re pleased to welcome Bambos Charalambous MP as a signatory to our Declaration. He has consistently spoken up for communities, children and vulnerable families - values that align closely with our mission to ensure every baby has the best start in life.

Colum Eastwood MP has signed the 1001 Critical Days Declaration, reaffirming his long-standing commitment to fairer outcomes for children and families across Northern Ireland. His advocacy for improved public services and community wellbeing aligns strongly with our mission to give every baby the best start in life.

Vicky Foxcroft MP adds her support to the 1001 Critical Days Declaration, reinforcing her track record of advocating for families and communities most in need. Her commitment to early intervention and child wellbeing makes her an important champion of our campaign.

Marina is our first signatory from Brazil, marking the Foundation’s first step into South America. As our mission grows across borders and continents, so does our shared commitment to ensuring every baby has the best start in life.

As our first Parliamentarian in Australia, Ged Kearney is proud to stand with the 1001 Critical Days Foundation to champion support for parents within the first 1,001 days to set families up to thrive.