Labour MP welcomes Government’s u-turn on punitive prostitution plans

John McDonnell MP
Member of Parliament for Hayes & Harlington
Westminster Office, G10 Norman Shaw South
House of Commons
LONDON SW1A 2JF

Tel – 020 7219 1626

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Labour MP welcomes Government’s u-turn on punitive prostitution plans

The announcement that the government is dropping plans to introduce compulsory rehabilitation for prostitutes and the threat of imprisonment is a great victory for the vibrant lobby led by the Safety First Coalition opposing these draconian measures, demanding that women’s safety is put first.

Clause 124 would have introduced compulsory rehabilitation for prostitute women, requiring anyone arrested for loitering or soliciting to attend a series of three meetings with a supervisor approved by the court. Failure to comply would have resulted in a summons back to court and a possible 72-hours imprisonment.

This decision will mean that thousands of women have escaped potential imprisonment.

John McDonnell MP says:

‘I welcome the government’s announcement today and hope that it signals a future approach towards prostitution underlined by welfare measures rather than criminalisation, putting the needs and safety of prostitutes above the desire for moral condemnation.’

Notes to Editors:

For further comment, please ring: Simeon Andrews,on 020 7219 1626 or 07984 401032