Labour have published a Green Paper on how to end the epidemic of violence against women and girls. The Conservatives have repeatedly refused to take action on this issue, particularly not in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill nor the Queen’s Speech.

Labour plan to make misogyny a hate crime, toughen existing sentences for rape and stalking perpetrators, introduce new specific offences for street and sexual harassment, and implement bold new measures to reverse low rape conviction rates.

This wide-ranging approach sets out a long-term response to tackling the misogyny that underpins abuse faced by women and girls, whether this is at home, in the street, in the workplace, online and at school, college or university. It would be strengthened by binding measures to hold the Government accountable and ensure that progress is made.

Luke Pollard MP said:

“This is an epidemic that needs to be tackled. The government have failed to protect women and girls over and over. With rape convictions at an all time low and a recent report finding that 97% of women aged 18-24 have been sexually harassed, it is time to tackle this culture of misogyny. Labour’s Green Paper continues to hold this negligent government to account whilst strengthening measures to try and curb this epidemic.”