Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Violence against Women and Girls Strategy: Implementation

Monday 8 June 2026 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government committed to halving violence against women and girls over a decade
  • Home Secretary cannot comment on Harshita's murder due to ongoing investigation
  • Government working with Northern Ireland counterparts on violence against women issues

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Foy Lab City of Durham
Women & Equalities
Context

The question follows recent commitments made by the Government to address violence against women and girls. The MP seeks updates on the implementation progress.

Question

What recent progress has been made in implementing the violence against women and girls strategy?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

The Government have committed to halve violence against women and girls over a decade, implemented domestic abuse protection orders protecting 1,000 victims, Raneem's law for expert support in 999 control rooms, and specialist rape teams across all police forces.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked for a timetable and grassroots consultation details; the answer provided general commitments but no specific timeline or process.

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Q2 Jas Athwal Lab Ilford South
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Harshita Barela, a young woman from Ilford, was murdered and her body dumped. Her alleged killer is still at large in India.

Question

Does the Home Secretary share my horror at Harshita's murder? Will she meet me to discuss steps with Indian authorities?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

The Home Secretary offers deepest sympathies and understands the family's loss but cannot comment on a live investigation, as it could prejudice proceedings.

Not addressed: The question was about meeting to discuss further steps; the answer deflected by focusing only on the live status of the investigation.

How: Cannot Comment On Live Investigations

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Q3 Mary Foy Lab City of Durham
Women & Equalities
Context

Local members spoke to many people at a market stall about the Government's VAWG strategy. They welcomed it but felt it was long overdue and needed grassroots consultation.

Question

When will the Government action the plan? How will progress be reported publicly?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

The Government's commitment is evidenced by their landmark ten-year vision to halve violence against women and girls, with work beginning now but much more still to do.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timetable or public reporting process was provided.

How: Cannot Commit To A Detailed Timeline

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Q4 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Justice & Courts Northern Ireland
Context

In Northern Ireland, there have been two horrific murders of women and their unborn children in the past few weeks.

Question

Should we have similar rules in Northern Ireland for such vile killings?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

Criminal law applies across the UK, and the Government track matters closely. The ministerial team will discuss these issues with their Northern Ireland counterparts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific agreement on strengthening laws was given.

How: Will Look Into Substance

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Q5 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Policing & Resources Justice & Courts
Context

The Minister responsible for violence against women has resigned, and the resignation letter cited political pressure as a catalyst for progress.

Question

Why will the Government not extradite Andrew and Tristan Tate to face Crown Prosecution Service charges?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

The Home Secretary refuses to comment on matters related to extradition or specific cases, citing the potential for prejudicing future actions.

Not addressed: No commitment was given regarding extradition proceedings.

How: Cannot Comment On Matters Of Extradition

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