SHIPLEY MP Philip Davies has secured a debate in Parliament next week to mark International Men’s Day.

The three hour slot was awarded to Mr Davies and Mansfield MP Ben Bradley by the Backbench Business Committee, and it will take place in the House of Commons on November 19, aiming to make a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys.

Mr Davies said: “Too often many issues which particularly affect men and boys are overlooked and not debated in Parliament. There are many serious issues that need addressing including the underachievement of boys– particularly amongst white working class boys - in schools, men’s health, issues with the family courts and the high levels of male suicide.”

A debate has taken place in the House of Commons each year to mark International Women’s Day, but the debate to coincide with International Men’s Day has only happened in the House of Commons since 2015, when Mr Davies first argued there needed to be parity between the two.