Policing and Prevention of Violence against Women

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MP David Lammy raised concerns about the effectiveness of police action in preventing such tragedies. He questioned why the Government had not taken more proactive steps to prevent Sarah's death and how they planned to address similar incidents in future.

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MP Kerry McCarthy inquired about specific steps being taken to address street harassment and ensure women’s safety while walking alone. She also questioned why the Government was pursuing restrictive measures against protests.

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MP Rachael Maskell questioned why the Government had not acted sooner to address systemic issues related to violence against women and girls, despite knowing about them for years. She also asked how the Home Secretary planned to implement a new strategy on tackling such crimes.

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Thomas-Symonds expressed concern over the Government's response to violence against women and girls, criticising the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill for not addressing street harassment, domestic abuse, or rape adequately. He also questioned the Home Secretary's communication with the Metropolitan police regarding recent protests.

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May thanked the Home Secretary for her remarks and expressed support for the Domestic Abuse Bill. She emphasised the need to change attitudes towards violence against women, including dealing with perpetrators and teaching young men respect.

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The murder of Sarah Everard has truly shocked and saddened us all. Criticisms have been raised about the policing actions during a recent protest, questioning whether they were necessary and proportionate. The MP urges for the chief inspector’s review to focus on human rights as well as policing matters.

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The MP pays tribute to Sarah Everard and expresses support for listening to all voices—both men and women—to ensure collaborative efforts towards safety. The 78,000 responses to the reopened consultation are highlighted as an unprecedented response.

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The MP raises concerns about repeat perpetrators of abuse and stalking, urging the Home Secretary to consider measures proposed previously. She seeks support in bringing in strong measures against such repeat offenders.

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The MP proposes practical measures including increased CCTV coverage, maintaining DNA databases, increasing sentences for sexual assaults and rapes, and stopping early release of dangerous criminals to make streets safer.

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The MP criticises the police's high-handed approach to a recent vigil, suggesting it got the balance between public safety and protest rights wrong. She questions the appropriateness of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

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The MP welcomes the announced rape and sexual assault review, stressing the importance of every part of the criminal justice system playing its role. She raises concerns about rape within marriage in cases involving individuals married under 18.

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I send my condolences to the family and friends of Sarah Everard. The scenes during the peaceful vigil were disgraceful, especially with women being arrested. Did the Home Secretary speak to the Met Commissioner in advance about guidance?

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Like colleagues across the House, my condolences are extended to Sarah Everard's family. Does my right hon. Friend agree that all reports of abuse must be rigorously investigated and that there will be confidence in the justice system after the consultation on VAWG strategy?

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I join others in extending my condolences. Does handing over more powers to the police when they have misjudged a situation seem foolish? Will she stand with women arrested and call for withdrawal of fixed-penalty notices?

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The murder was shocking; I received a note about what happened to a female police officer on that night. Both sides should dial it down, not raise the temperature.

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Sent sympathies to the family. Proposals for a domestic abuse register were rejected by Government; now they recognise that current system is failing women. How will funding account for Wales?

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Sent sympathies to the family. It is regrettable that Opposition demands resignation; what is she doing to ensure facts are understood before premature conclusions?

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Offers condolences to the family of Sarah Everard and criticises the Metropolitan Police's actions at a vigil on Clapham common, asking for a report and swift action. Points out that good policing was absent from the event.

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Asks why the Opposition opposes provisions for increased sentences for rapists, highlighting a contradiction.

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Questions whether manhandling people can make them feel safe, suggests the police powers Bill could lead to more scenes like those on Clapham common.

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Asks the Home Secretary to work with Members to ensure that legislation protects peaceful protests.

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Asks if the Home Secretary agrees with the Joint Committee that laws need clarification for protests during the pandemic.

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Raises concern over 'ACAB' signs at the vigil and asks for confirmation that legislation will protect women from harm.

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Asks how the Home Secretary will ensure that women can come forward with confidence for justice.

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Asks if it's time to decriminalise freedom of protest during the pandemic.

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Peaceful assembly must be an absolute right in this country, and the actions of the police on Saturday were deeply troubling. I would like to highlight the use of kettling, in particular. Many disabled people and disabled people’s organisations have long raised concerns about the use of this controversial crowd control tactic, which in the past has been used for up to 10 hours, with serious potential health implications. What does the Home Secretary have to say to the many disabled people who fear this disproportionate policy?

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I would like to put on record my sympathies to the family and partner of Sarah Everard... I look forward to my right hon. Friend’s strategy later this year, but will she consider, as part of that, introducing legislation that might address the issue?

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On Sunday, I shed a tear... May I ask what the Home Secretary is going to do to change the toxic culture we have that diminishes and minimises women’s experience, and to challenge the whole spectrum of men’s behaviour so that my daughter and all young women can grow up without living their lives in fear?

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I thank my right hon. Friend for her statement... Does she agree with me and my constituents that it is frankly absurd for the Labour party to call for tougher sentences against rapists while, in the same breath, opposing the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which delivers exactly that?

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Last week on the Armed Forces Committee we heard about prosecuting crimes, including rape, through the military courts... What discussions has the Home Secretary’s Department had about that attitude towards victims of male violence, and does it reflect a general attitude to women that we saw on Saturday on Clapham Common?

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May I express my condolences... Can my right hon. Friend assure me that those women are going to have their voices heard on the justice taskforce, which looks suspiciously like an all-male room?

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I would like to add my thoughts... Does the Home Secretary agree with me that if you are black, disabled or a trans woman you are disproportionately more likely to be a victim of violence? That is not emphasised in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. What steps is she taking to rectify that?

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May I, too, send my deepest sympathy... New Government research has identified viewing pornography, particularly violent pornography, as an influential factor in harmful sexual behaviour towards women and girls. How will my right hon. Friend reflect that finding in new Government policy?

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My heart goes out... In light of the recent horrific events, and the continued failure to prevent violence against women and girls, will the Government commit to adopt my Bill and to end some of the continuing injustices against women?

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I am proud of a Government who, since 2010... Does my right hon. Friend agree that our landmark Domestic Abuse Bill puts women at the front and centre of this Government’s policymaking when it comes to tackling violence against women and girls?

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The tragedy that befell Sarah Everard is a cue for rethinking so much... May I ask that in all new housing developments, and in the reappraisal of the low-traffic network road changes that are due, consultative consideration of women’s safety and fear of crime is mandated?

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I have been contacted by several constituents... What assessment has my right hon. Friend made about the fact that this is an operational issue for the Met, versus the fundamental framework of the law? Taking that forward, will she reassure my constituents that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will protect the rights of those protesting and the right of the police to be safe?

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We now live in a country where domestic violence has soared but prosecutions have plummeted... Is she proud of it?

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A quarter of all police forces are either already actively recording or trialling recording where crimes are motivated by a hatred of somebody’s sex or gender. Will the Home Secretary and her Government drop their opposition to amendment 87B to the Domestic Abuse Bill tonight in the House of Lords in order to require that all police forces follow this best practice in England and Wales?

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Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Domestic Abuse Bill showcases this Government’s commitment to protecting and listening to victims of domestic abuse, who are mostly women, so that we can tackle this abhorrent crime effectively?

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On the same day that the suspect in the Sarah Everard investigation was arrested, UN Women published survey results showing that 97% of women aged 18 to 24 have experienced sexual harassment. Will the Home Secretary work with the Metropolitan police to mandate that every officer serving undertakes training on misogyny and sexual harassment?

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Does my right hon. Friend agree that preventing violence against women is partly about what we do with boys? That means teaching them that what is often depicted on TV, online and in video games is not acceptable behaviour.

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Sir Patrick Vallance said that “it is clear in the SAGE papers…that outdoors is much lower risk than indoors” and that “it is difficult to see how” outdoor events can cause a spike. Can I ask the Home Secretary who she is consulting when suggesting additional, draconian police powers?

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Does she not also agree that it is quite wrong to conflate that with the perfectly reasonable provisions in the Bill that will be debated later this afternoon, which will prevent disruptive protests of all kinds?

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Does the Home Secretary agree that it is equally important that Government policy secures women’s safety in private settings, including women’s refuges? And does she agree that Government should prioritise upholding single-sex spaces, services, provision and roles for women and girls where single-sex provision is permitted under the Equality Act 2010?

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Homicide rates among women have shot up under this Government. What urgent action will the Home Secretary take to convince us that they take violence against women and girls seriously?