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Women and Girls: Isle of Wight
02 December 2025
Lead MP
Richard Quigley
Isle of Wight West
Lab
Responding Minister
Seema Malhotra
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementNHSEmployment
Word Count: 3482
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Richard Quigley raised concerns about women and girls: isle of wight in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government needs to improve facilities and support for women on the Isle of Wight, including better maternity care, abortion services, and protection against domestic violence.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Currently two men represent the Isle of Wight in Parliament, with low female representation on both the local council and in business leadership. The island's poor ferry services exacerbate existing inequality for women and girls, making it harder to access healthcare and escape domestic abuse. St Mary’s hospital lacks a dedicated sexual assault referral centre, forcing survivors to travel to Portsmouth for medical examinations.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Raises concerns about victims experiencing around 50 incidents of abuse before reporting it to authorities. Emphasises the need for better facilities, protection and access to support across the UK.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
The hon. Member highlights that the challenges faced by the Isle of Wight are unique due to its island status and urges policymakers and commissioners to make special provision for the island, recognising the difficulties it encounters.
Government Response
Seema Malhotra
The Minister for Equalities
Government Response
The minister acknowledges the issues highlighted by the hon. Member and pays tribute to his work on domestic abuse services and health inequalities. She commits £53 million of funding over four years to roll out the Drive project across England and Wales, focusing on preventing abusive behaviour and protecting victims. We have introduced new domestic abuse protection orders, with over 1,000 victims protected since their roll-out. The Government will fund intensified police activity to target spiking, improve support through specialist teams in every police force, fast-track rape cases, and provide free legal advice for victims. Additionally, £160 million was allocated this financial year to support safe accommodation for victims on the Isle of Wight, with local authorities duty-bound to ensure access under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The gender pay gap decreased but remains an issue; action plans will require employers to detail measures narrowing gaps and supporting employees through menopause. £19.9 million was invested in VAWG support, including helplines and flexible funds for fleeing abuse. The women’s health strategy includes free emergency contraception, extra NHS appointments, and substantial research investment.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.