12Feb 2019 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Lib Dems: Govt must ensure dinosaur MPs can’t obstruct legislation

Parliamentary news
The Liberal Democrats have today secured assurances that a Bill on female genital mutilation (FGM) will be introduced in Government time, but have called for the way in which Private Members Bills' are debated to be reassessed. Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse secured the assurance during her Urgent Question today. The Bath MP pressed the issue after a Private Member's Bill on FGM was dismissed on Friday after Conservative MP Christopher Chope objected. Following the Urgent Question, Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse said: “It is severely disappointing that I have had to ask the Minister to bring this issue back to the Chamber today. The Conservatives should be ashamed to have Members on their benches with such outdated views about women and who fail to recognise the urgent need to protect vulnerable girls.  “We…
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01Feb 2019 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Landmark conviction in fight to stamp out FGM

Landmark conviction in fight to stamp out FGM

Campaigns, Parliamentary news
Responding to the reports of the first conviction of female genital mutilation in the UK, former Liberal Democrat Home Office Minister Lynne Featherstone said: “We have waited a long time to see a conviction for female genital mutilation. The victim here was just three years old. There is no doubt that this is child abuse and this prosecution makes clear this practice is against the law. “I welcome this prosecution and hope to see other perpetrators of this vile crime brought to justice. Communities in the UK will now know that if they commit FGM they will be brought before the courts. “Prosecution is crucially important, but it is vital that the Government work to support those working in the communities to stamp out FGM, ensuring no future generations of girls…
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