Labour says that it will tackle period poverty by providing free sanitary products in all secondary schools.

The move would be funded through North Ayrshire Labour’s Challenge Poverty Fund which was created at the budget in March.

Welcoming the announcement Clare McGuire, Labour’s candidate for Ardrossan and Arran said: “People are aware of the rise in foodbank use but what about the financial and health inequalities that are linked to menstruation?

“We can get free paracetamol on prescription but what about the women who cannot afford sanitary products and have to stuff their pants with toilet paper?

“We talk about reducing the attainment gap but what about the girl sitting in class with the embarrassment of a saturated sanitary towel between her legs?

“Period poverty is the secret scandal that we should address. Sanitary products are not a luxury and women and girls shouldn’t have to go without. Labour will tackle this gendered inequality and use our Challenge Poverty Fund to provide free sanitary products for girls in all our secondary schools.”