A host of organisations have backed calls by a Labour MSP to ensure that women have a legal right to free sanitary products

More than thirty organisations have backed plans to provide free period products in Scotland.

Labour MSP Monica Lennon is pushing for legislation to ensure that women have access to the products no matter what their background is.

An open letter calling for sanitary products to be made on a universal basis has been backed by an array of charities including Barnardo’s, the Poverty Alliance and Endometriosis UK, as well as the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).

The letter welcomes the Scottish Government’s efforts to provide free period products in schools, colleges and universities but says there is “wide support across Parliament and civic Scotland” for giving women the legal right to access free tampons and sanitary towels.

Lennon said: “I am overwhelmed by the widespread backing this bill has received from organisations and individuals across Scotland and supporters across the world.

“Period poverty is a reality that causes shame for too many people and stops them fulfilling their potential.

“No-one should have to go to foodbanks to access essential period products and this bill provides a solution that builds on the positive work that Scottish Government, local authorities and education partners are already committed to.”

Lennon has pledged to work with the government and across the parliament to ensure legislation can be passed.

Free period products are currently available through primary and secondary schools across Scotland and in all 19 universities and 26 colleges, with a further £2.8 million worth of funding making products available in community facilities.