Explainer: why MPs are wearing 50:50 badges at Prime Minister’s Questions A number of MPs have been spotted over recent weeks sporting 50:50 pins, particularly during Prime Minister’s Questions. It is expected […]

A number of MPs have been spotted over recent weeks sporting 50:50 pins, particularly during Prime Minister’s Questions. It is expected today will be no different.

The pins are particularly timely with the imminent arrival of International Women’s Day, which falls on 8 March.

Here’s all you need to know about what the badges mean:

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What do the badges represent?

The badges come from the campaign group 50:50 Parliament, which aims to encourage more women to get involved with politics and stand in elections.

For #EqualSeats and #EqualSay JOIN https://t.co/XUNwjOFqu1 TODAY

And if you know a woman who would make a good MP #AskHerToStand via #5050Parliament. 50:50 will support them on their way to Westminster!

Join 50:50 Taking Action for Equal Representation! #DeedsNotWords — 50:50 Parliament (@5050Parliament) March 5, 2018

The group argues that because men in Parliament outnumber women, it is neither representative or inclusive.

It lobbies Parliament and political parties to be more inclusive of women, with the aim of achieving a better gender balance at Westminster.

How long has the campaign been running?

It was launched in November 2013 by antenatal teacher Frances Scott with an online petition.

Since its launch, more than 52,000 people have added their names. A total of 325 female MPs would need to be elected to achieve the desired 50:50 split. At the 2017 general election, 208 female MPs were elected.

Who has been wearing the badges?

MPs from across the political spectrum have been spotted wearing the pins, including Prime Minister Theresa May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield has previously talked about how she was encouraged to stand as an MP for the first time with the support of the 50:50 group.

The group uses the hashtag #AskHerToStand to encourage people to ask women they know to consider standing for election.