A WHARFEDALE MP is calling for free sanitary products to be provided for schoolgirls from low-income families.

The demand by Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) follows a BBC report which revealed that some girls in Leeds were missing school because they could not afford tampons during their periods.

Mr Mulholland has tabled an Early Day Motion calling for the automatic, free provision of sanitary towels to girls who are eligible for free school meals.

He also used a Parliamentary Question this week to ask Justine Greening MP, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, to back the move.

The concerns in the television report were raised by the charity Freedom4Girls, which provide free sanitary products to women in Kenya - and is now having to do the same in West Yorkshire.

Mr Mulholland said: "It is absolutely shocking that there are girls in 21st Century Britain, including in Leeds, who are having to miss school, due to not being able to afford sanitary products.

"It just goes to show how serious this problem is that a charity set up to provide free sanitary products for poor and vulnerable girls in sub-Saharan Africa is now having to do the same here.

"On average, women and girls spend £5 to £10 per month on sanitary products. For low-income families this is a considerable amount of money.

"This is something that must be addressed and we need to ensure that no girl is forced to miss any schooling.

"I hope the Government will take urgent action to address this scandal and ensure all girls get access to sanitary products, including providing free products for those eligible for free school meals."

His Early Day Motion notes that the problem is likely to be more widespread than it seems, as some girls will find it difficult to discuss the issue.