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Many think we could do with more honesty in politics.

And this MP's refreshingly personal speech is certainly that.

Danielle Rowley, Labour MP for Midlothian, today may have just become the first ever woman to talk about her period in the House of Commons chamber.

It was part of a bid to highlight the poverty of girls who can't afford sanitary products, and are left so worried they miss school.

Ms Rowley said: "I would like to announce to you today, and to the House, and perhaps you'll excuse me for my lateness, that today I'm on my period.

"It's cost me this week, already, £25. The average cost of a period in the UK over a year is £500. Many women can't afford this.

"What is the minister doing to address period poverty?"

One in 10 girls in the UK cannot afford sanitary products, according to a study by UK Plan International.

(Image: Getty)

Some go without sanitary products, while others risk their health by using socks or old dirty rags to stuff their underwear.

Women's Minister Victoria Atkins highlighted the government's tampon tax fund, which helps period poverty charities using the equivalent of the 5% in VAT charged on sanitary products.

After being congratulated for her speech, Ms Rowley - who buys sanitary products out of her own money to give to women who come to her office - tweeted light-heartedly: "My cramps are pretty epic to be fair."

The MP told the Mirror her speech was "quite spontaneous" but "something I've wanted to raise for a while".

"It's something that's really important but isn't really spoken about enough," she said.

"I think there is still a taboo. I talk about my period quite a lot, I will talk about it to male friends and colleagues, and generally it's fine.

"But I think sometimes, if you are talking about it perhaps with older men or women, there's a bit of 'oh, why are you saying that?'.

"I hope me talking about it in the chamber will help break down the taboo and help give women more confidence."