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BACKBENCH BUSINESS
08 March 2016
Lead MP
Mims Davies
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Women & Equalities
Other Contributors: 57
At a Glance
Mims Davies 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
I express my honour to open the debate on International Women's Day, noting that despite women making up half of society, more progress is needed in electing women to Parliament, achieving equal pay, and parity in leadership positions. The debate will cover various issues including female representation, equality in business, and tackling practices harmful to women such as FGM. I also highlight the importance of celebrating achievements while addressing ongoing inequalities. My goal is for my daughters and all girls to grow up in a society where gender has no bearing on their opportunities.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
I congratulate the hon. Lady on securing this debate, questioning why we have seen no progress in encouraging women into STEM fields since 1984, despite many available jobs.
Everyone knows that women were given the vote at the end of WWI but it also granted voting rights to working-class men. I celebrate women campaigners who led to those men accessing the vote.
Mims Davies
Con
East Grinstead and Uckfield
Discussed the need for better structures for carers, shared personal experiences of being a carer and mother. Emphasised the importance of flexible working to allow parents and carers to look after their loved ones while continuing to work. Challenged employers' perception that part-time workers are less valuable than full-timers.
Angela Crawley
Lab
Constituency Unknown
Asked if the hon. Lady agrees with flexible working allowing parents and carers to look after their loved ones while continuing to work, highlighting its importance for employers to take into account.
Rehman Chishti
Con
Constituency Unknown
Paid tribute to the hon. Member for Eastleigh and mentioned the significance of women's representation in this Parliament as well as around the world, highlighting Benazir Bhutto's contribution.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Honoured the victims of violence against women and read out a list of names of women who died since last year due to such violence. Highlighted that violence against women has no one face and stressed on the need for better measures to prevent such incidents.
Sharon Hodgson
Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
Agrees with Maria Miller that the current number of women MPs is not satisfactory and calls for a commitment from all political parties to increase the number of female MPs at the next election.
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall and Bloxwich
Discusses the murder of Berta Cáceres, a feminist activist, and highlights that only 29% of UK Parliament are women while Her Majesty’s Opposition has 43%. She raises issues about equal pay in Walsall and the closure of HMRC offices affecting local economies. She also mentions the need for more legislation to support working women.
Congratulates Baroness Scotland on being selected as secretary-general of the Commonwealth.
Supports Valerie Vaz's point about women’s pay, noting that Scandinavian countries with high equality rates also perform well in other areas, reinforcing the argument for gender equality.
Helen Grant
Con
Maidstone and Malling
Described her experience meeting Nigerian campaigners fighting for the return of Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram, noting the ongoing challenges faced by these women and advocating for international awareness campaigns.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Expressed solidarity with Helen Grant's speech and emphasised the broader issue of women and girls facing abduction and exploitation globally, urging that protection of women and girls be a priority in international policies.
Fiona Mactaggart
Lab Co-op
Slough
Focused on the representation of women in Parliament, discussing progress made with Labour's use of women-only shortlists, emphasising the importance of diverse voices and strategies to combat issues like equal pay and violence against women.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Suggested focusing on strategic wins for women’s issues such as human trafficking legislation and the Modern Slavery Act, supporting greater action against FGM and other harmful practices towards women.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
Complimented the Government for setting up the National FGM Centre, urging continued funding to ensure safety of daughters and combatting FGM.
Mitcham and Morden
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is gender parity, focusing on the plight of low-paid women. The World Economic Forum has calculated that the gender gap will not close until 2133, taking another five generations before women are equal to men in health, education, politics and economy.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Worthing West
When Eleanor Rathbone was elected, she talked about female genital mutilation and the need for family endowment. This led to the introduction of child benefit in 1945. We need to equalise work by including both paid and unpaid work in household distribution and have an indicator showing how much of it is done by men versus women to encourage equality in paid work.
Deidre Brock
SNP
Glasgow North West
On the 105th anniversary of Emily Wilding Davison's night in the Undercroft, we should remember that societal change often takes straightforward thinking and direct action. The UK Government sells arms to Saudi Arabia, a country where women have limited rights such as driving and opening bank accounts without their husband’s permission. This is not an ethical foreign policy and it undermines the protection of women’s rights globally.
Christina Rees
Lab
Neath
The hon. Member for Neath (Christina Rees) celebrated the significant contributions made by women in her constituency, including Gwenda Thomas, Winifred Coombe Tennant, and Katherine Jenkins. She also highlighted the importance of organisations like the Dove Workshop, which offers opportunities to retrain and gain qualifications. Ms. Rees noted that there is still much work to be done regarding gender equality, such as the need for equal pay.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
The hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth (Stephen Doughty) paid tribute to Baroness Gale of Blaenrhondda in the other place, who has done much for women's rights within the Welsh Labour party.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
The hon. Member for Louth and Horncastle (Victoria Atkins) noted her constituency’s historic role in electing female MPs, including Margaret Wintringham in 1921. She emphasised the need for more women across politics, councils, media, think-tanks, universities, and Whitehall to ensure that policies reflect the experiences of both men and women.
Rebecca Pow
Con
Taunton Deane
The hon. Member for Taunton Deane (Rebecca Pow) suggested that one reason fewer women are in higher positions is because they may not be as adept at putting themselves forward within the current system, compared to men.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
Congratulates hon. Friend's daughters on their contributions, discusses equal pay campaign from 1921 that remains relevant today, emphasises importance of celebrating International Women’s Day to inspire young women in constituencies, thanks male MPs for supporting the debate.
Tom Brake
Lib Dem
Carshalton and Wallington
Speaks on behalf of 'mediocre men', discusses meeting two PhD students from Imperial College who presented their research, mentions domestic violence statistics showing that 40% of violent crime in Sutton is due to domestic abuse, calls for mandatory PSHE education to address female genital mutilation.
Andrew Griffiths
Con
Burton
Highlights the importance of International Women’s Day and the need for continued efforts towards gender equality, pays tribute to Women2Win for its work in bringing more women into Parliament, emphasises the shortage of female engineers in the UK workforce.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
I thank the hon. Member for Eastleigh for securing the debate along with my hon. Friend the Member for Brent Central. We must celebrate International Women’s Day, recognising that although women have rights in law, there are still issues that hold them back. I focus on women's status in the workplace, noting significant female employment increase and positive government policy changes. However, flexible working remains an issue; employees need to be in post for six months before requesting it. Flexible working enables companies like Fashionizer to get the best talent. I hope Ministers will review this position and introduce a right for employees to request flexible working from the outset.
Craig Tracey
Lab
North Warwickshire
I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate, focusing on encouraging aspiration and entrepreneurship among women through my role as chair of the all-party group on women and enterprise. We know that boosting female entrepreneurship could deliver approximately £60 billion extra to the UK economy, with gender-balanced boards being more successful according to McKinsey & Co. I ask Ministers to look at models like the USA’s Women's Business Act for lessons in supporting female-owned businesses. Addressing fears of failure and providing enterprise training are key to encouraging participation.
Ochil and South Perthshire
I pay tribute to the hon. Member for Eastleigh for her efforts, noting that while progress has been made, there is still much more to do in achieving gender equality. I highlight Scotland’s feminist stance with Nicola Sturgeon’s gender-balanced Cabinet and significant work by Women 50:50 campaign. We must not stand still but seek to modernise practices and attitudes towards women. In the context of EU membership debate, it is time for women's voices to be heard in leading campaigns and peace talks.
Hannah Bardell
SNP
Livingston
I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to Winnie Ewing, our first female SNP MP, who faced many outdated practices. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow North West
I agree with my hon. Friend that positive action is welcome in achieving gender equality until we believe there is a level playing field in how people are chosen.
Amanda Solloway
Con
Derby North
I am honoured to speak in this important debate and thank the hon. Member for Eastleigh for securing it, acknowledging the presence of more women MPs than ever before. I highlight the importance of encouraging girls at an early age to believe in their capabilities and to participate in STEM fields, emphasising my city’s rich history in engineering and manufacturing. Women-led businesses are increasing, but there is still a need to instill confidence and belief in girls for careers in any field they desire.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
I speak as the first female MP from my party and constituency, supporting means to propel us towards a fairer society. I emphasise the undervaluation of women’s work in society and the need for girls to be encouraged to take risks and embrace ambition. I also highlight the importance of positive discrimination in politics.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Garscadden
In response to Ms Saville-Roberts, Patrick Grady expresses hopes that Wales will soon be led by a woman and encourages her support for this possibility. He also acknowledges the dominance of men in political debates regarding women's rights.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
I agree with Mr Grady and reaffirm my support for initiatives that propel us towards a fairer society. I highlight the undervaluation of women’s work in society, the need to encourage girls to take risks, and embrace ambition. I also acknowledge the importance of positive discrimination in politics.
Rebecca Harris
Con
Castle Point
I focus on the gender pay gap and lack of women in senior professional roles, emphasising the need for schools to play a significant role in overturning stereotypes regarding career choices. I welcome progress made by the Government over the past five years but urge continued efforts to increase girls' participation in STEM fields.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
I discuss the grave errors made when women are excluded from legislatures, focusing on issues such as maternal health and welfare reforms like the two-child tax credits policy and the rape clause. I criticise the Government's policies for stigmatizing abused women and their children.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness N & Ross
I support my hon. Friend’s stance on welfare reforms and acknowledge additional funding announced by Scotland’s First Minister to help abused women get back into work, advocating for similar initiatives across all Governments.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Critiques the Government's two-child policy and rape clause, highlighting issues with implementation and potential consequences for women in abusive relationships. Argues against social engineering policies that stigmatise vulnerable groups.
Jake Berry
Con
Rossendale and Darwen
Discusses the practice of breast ironing as an international crime affecting young girls and women, advocating for a stand-alone criminal offence to protect victims. Emphasises the need for greater awareness and action against hidden crimes like this.
Liz McInnes
Lab
Heywood and Middleton
Addresses the importance of female representation in leadership roles, advocating for more women in Parliament. Discusses challenges faced by WASPI women and calls on the Government to provide proper transitional arrangements for these individuals.
Tania Mathias
Con
Brecon and Radnorshire
Highlights progress made in tackling female genital mutilation through legislation but advocates for more training, awareness, and community outreach, especially with isolated migrant populations. Calls for direct language usage regarding FGM.
Maggie Throup
Con
Erewash
Supports the motion to raise awareness about crimes like breast ironing and female genital mutilation in order to ensure more action against them.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expressed concern over the high rate of domestic abuse among women, noting that nearly one in three pregnant women suffer from domestic violence. Highlighted the importance of raising awareness for issues facing women globally and praised First Minister Arlene Foster's leadership as a role model.
Rebecca Pow
Con
Discussed the societal pressure on women to maintain youthful appearances, noting that questions about age and marital status are frequently asked about female MPs but not male ones. Emphasised the need for respect towards older women's experience and wisdom.
Matt Warman
Con
Addressed gender inequality in parental leave policies and childcare responsibilities, noting that men who take advantage of paternity leave are a minority. Advocated for equality in education and the workplace, stating it is important to acknowledge that men and women bring different strengths.
Ben Howlett
Con
Focused on gender disparity in STEM subjects, noting low female participation rates. Emphasised the importance of championing equal rights for women as a responsibility not just for women but for every man in the country too.
Maggie Throup
Lab
Erewash
Highlighting the contributions of women in Erewash, including businesswomen, educators, and those involved in charities. Emphasised recognising women who have overcome challenges to support their communities.
Suella Braverman
Con
Fareham and Waterlooville
Discussed the issue of domestic violence, citing a personal client's experience. Mentioned Government initiatives like Clare’s law and new offences targeting coercive behaviour to protect women from abuse.
Expressed hope for a future where there is no need for International Women’s Day due to gender equality in various fields, including politics and science. Cited an example of Ben Barres to highlight how society often treats women differently from men.
Called for actions such as scrapping the rape clause in welfare reform legislation, ratifying the Istanbul convention on violence against women, removing the tampon tax, and addressing the gender pay gap to promote equality.
Kate Green
Lab
Stretford and Urmston
The debate has been an important opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and share in an ambition that exists around the world to achieve gender equality, not only as a matter of justice to women but as a prerequisite for a successful, prosperous and peaceful future. Women achieving educationally, professionally and in public life is noted; however, there are still significant strides to be made on economic equality, with issues such as the gender pay gap, low-paid sectors like catering and retail, underrepresentation in STEM jobs, and poverty in retirement highlighted. Gender-based violence was also a major concern, including domestic homicides, cyber-abuse, prostitution-related violence, breast ironing, female genital mutilation, and specific challenges faced by lesbian and transgender women.
Jim Cunningham
Lab
Coventry South
Asked for intervention but was not given the opportunity to speak due to time constraints.
Gosport
Acknowledging progress in gender equality, Caroline Dinenage highlighted the need for continued efforts to eliminate pay gaps, particularly in STEM fields. She also emphasised initiatives like the Women’s Business Council and programmes supporting women entrepreneurs through broadband access. Additionally, she discussed measures to support work-life balance and caring responsibilities.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Dawn Butler thanked participants for their contributions and highlighted the sobering reality of violence against women both domestically and internationally. She stressed the importance of addressing issues such as domestic violence, forced marriage, and prostitution, emphasising that abuse is often used as a weapon in conflicts.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
We have to do more on transitional arrangements for women. Eighty-one per cent of cuts in this Parliament affect women, with 744,000 individuals on zero-hours contracts and the majority being women. In 2014-15, only 9,621 equal pay claims were made due to legal changes. Twenty per cent of SMEs are led by women, who often start their own businesses to ensure recognition, increasing yearly. Forty-nine percent of lone parents on prepayment metres are women, contributing to debt. Outlawing zero-hours contracts and making PSHE compulsory can empower women.
Maria Miller
Con
Basingstoke
The debate was powerful, thought-provoking, and emotional with contributions from 38 Members. It is advised to discuss ways to secure an even longer debate in the future for issues like these that are relevant to every Member.
Natascha Engel
Lab
Sherwood
Confirmed that all Members who wanted to speak had a chance, though it was tight at the end. Grateful to hon. members for adhering to time limits and expressed thanks for the contributions made.
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