A group of cross-party MPs led by Wera Hobhouse MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Women and Equalities, has written to the Prime Minister to express their concerns about the safety of women and girls in public spaces following the death of Sarah Everard. In recent days, there has been an outpouring on social media from women and girls sharing their own experiences.
The letter states: “As a group of public representatives, we have heard countless stories over the past week about sexual harassment, violence against women and girls, and assault in public spaces. For many of us these stories are sadly not surprising, having experienced similar situations throughout our lives.”
It concludes: “As Prime Minister we are calling on you to start a national conversation asking everyone – not only women – to think about what they can do to make our public spaces safer. For too long, the conversation has been confined to women’s behaviour. It is time to change that narrative. We will only end public sexual harassment by calling it out in all its forms.
“Millions of women and girls, across the UK, are living with a constant state of fear and anxiety when in public. It is time for change.”