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Backbench Business
29 February 2024
Lead MP
Maria Miller
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
Maria Miller raised concerns about backbench business in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Moves that the House considers the use of language in politics, especially regarding respectful language and its importance for a strong and inclusive democracy. Raises concerns about women's representation in Parliament due to online abuse and intimidation, calling for all parliamentary candidates to pledge to use respectful language during the General Election campaign period.
Maria Miller
Con
Basingstoke
Highlights the need for more women to see elected office as a way to contribute to the future of the country, despite challenges such as abuse and intimidation. Emphasises the disproportionate impact of online abuse on women MPs and calls for changes in political campaigning language to avoid polarised debates. Introduces a pledge against misogynistic hate and discrimination during campaigns.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Questions whether Parliament should take more responsibility for addressing barriers women face, including the language used within the institution itself.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Concerned about the focus on parliamentarians' behaviour rather than issues during debates. Suggests maintaining a direction towards discussing issues instead of individuals to improve political discourse.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
I pay tribute to the women murdered by men in the past year, including Alesia Nazarova; Beryl Purdy; Holly Bramley; Susan Turner; Bernadette Rosario; Sara Bateman and many more. These cases are a result of systemic failures within society's systems such as social services and family court decisions leaving women at risk. The Government must take action to prevent these tragedies from continuing.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Celebrated achievements such as the success of the 'Barbie' film, women's contributions to sport including the Lionesses, Claudia Goldin winning a Nobel prize for economics, and Taylor Swift being named Time’s person of the year. Criticised inappropriate media focus on trivial aspects rather than substantive accomplishments.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Emphasised the importance of remembering those affected alongside Members of Parliament, particularly staff who face criticism and abuse for working in political offices.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Ms Butler criticises the Home Office Minister for attacking an Opposition Member during a previous statement and mentions instances of derogatory language used by other Members, including Lee Anderson, Suella Braverman, and Elizabeth Truss.
Ms Winterton reminds Dawn Butler that she should notify members before referring to them in speeches if they are present.
Pontypridd
Ms Davies-Jones expresses disappointment at the lack of male speakers and discusses the importance of empowering women. She notes that being represented is not enough for equality; a cultural shift is necessary where misogynists are rejected outright. She emphasises the role language plays in radicalising individuals online, leading to real-world violence against women. Ms Davies-Jones highlights her efforts as shadow tech Minister to ensure Ofcom's code of practice addresses violence against women and girls. She also discusses how different words are used for men and women, often characterising women’s actions negatively while men are praised for the same. She mentions personal experiences with patronisation and objectification in mainstream media. Ms Davies-Jones concludes by emphasising that when parliamentary members face threats, democracy suffers, but supportive words can lead to positive change.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
I am delighted to speak in this important debate as we approach International Women’s Day 2024. I acknowledge and pay tribute to the speeches of all those colleagues who have spoken before me, particularly focusing on women's representation in politics and their significant challenges. Since the introduction of equal voting rights for women, women’s representation in our politics has been transformed, but they still face significant challenges, especially black and minority ethnic women, disabled women and women with long-term health conditions. The abuse that we get online adds to the deep-seated issues in Parliament regarding bullying, harassment and sexual abuse, which must be addressed urgently by Mr Speaker. I acknowledge that the Conservative party has had three women leaders, but Labour needs to work towards electing its first woman leader. We need to empower and support women to increase their representation in elected office.
Pontypridd
Intervened to pay tribute to Ruth Jones for leading the way for women in our party, and across the House. Emphasised the importance of language used in debate and acknowledged the efforts being made by Mr Speaker to address issues of bullying, harassment and sexual abuse.
Intervened to highlight the importance of considering images and technology, particularly deepfakes and artificial intelligence. Suggested that while discussing language in debate, we should also consider how these technologies can impact women in politics and off-put them.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Paid tribute to the right hon. Member for Basingstoke, mentioned specific cases of women killed due to violent incidents in their communities; emphasised the importance of respectful language and conduct among politicians to prevent hate and abuse towards them; highlighted the need to support women entering politics by addressing barriers such as costs and caring responsibilities.
Acknowledged the impact of political discourse on women's participation in politics, cited research from the Fawcett Society indicating gendered safety concerns; celebrated the new Scottish Government Cabinet’s 70% female composition; discussed the Angiolini inquiry into Sarah Everard's murder and the normalization of harmful language and attitudes; emphasised the importance of combating online abuse to prevent women from being deterred from democracy.
Anneliese Dodds
Lab Co-op
Oxford East
The issue of language in politics is vital, especially on International Women's Day. It is important to acknowledge the toxic discourse and divisive narratives that overshadow substantive policy debates. I appeal for respectful language use and accountability when prejudiced or sexist remarks are made. The Online Safety Act 2023 needs strengthening to combat misogynistic abuse online, as highlighted by my hon. Friend Alex Davies-Jones. Representation of women in politics must improve; the Labour Party has achieved gender balance in its parliamentary party and shadow Cabinet. We should enact section 106 of the Equality Act 2010 for political parties to publish diversity data. Issues such as the gender pay gap, violence against women and girls, and women's health require urgent action.
Maria Caulfield
Con
Lewes
Stressed the impact of abusive language on women's participation in politics and wider society. Cited examples from colleagues' personal experiences and statistics from the Fawcett Society indicating that online abuse affects 93% of women MPs negatively.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Highlighted the role of media personalities like Quentin Letts in perpetuating negative stereotypes about female politicians based on appearance rather than political stance or policy.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.