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Starmer Unveils Parental Leave Changes at IKEA Visit

1/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 12, 2026, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited an IKEA store in Croydon to announce changes to parental leave policies that will allow unpaid parental leave from the first day of employment.
During the visit, Starmer joked with an IKEA worker named Stephen, calling the store visit 'far better than being in Parliament'.
Starmer offered Stephen the chance to stand in for him at Prime Minister's Questions.

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Story summary

On January 12, 2026, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited an IKEA store in Croydon to announce changes to parental leave policies that will allow unpaid parental leave from the first day of employment.
During the visit, Starmer joked with an IKEA worker named Stephen, calling the store visit 'far better than being in Parliament'.
Starmer offered Stephen the chance to stand in for him at Prime Minister's Questions.