Raids arrests and prosecutions
Briefing: Policing and Crime Bill second reading
By the English Collective of Prostitutes. Co-ordinators of the SAFETY FIRST COALITION House of Lords, second reading Wednesday 3 June. Using flawed trafficking statistics as justification, the measures target anyone involved in prostitution whether or not there is force or coercion. They would drive prostitution further underground and sex workers into even more danger. In […]
Minister’s claim that women will not be prosecuted, ring hollow
(Minister of State, Alan Campbell, Hansard 19 January 2009) In April 2009, a woman (Ms W) was charged under section 33 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956 (SOA 1956) with “assisting in the management of a brothel” at two premises. Ms W had no responsibility for either flat. She was not a tenant, did not […]
Londonist: On the Liberty of Shepherd Market
The Madames of Mayfair are celebrating a minor victory this weekend, having forced Westminster Council on to the retreat over the latter’s efforts to stop prostitutes working from flats in and around Shepherd Market. The English Collective of Prostitutes say that forcing their members to cease operating out of such premises will force them into danger on the streets. […]
MyLondon: Prostitutes in legal victory to keep working
THE working girls of Mayfair have defeated an attempt by Westminster Council to close their businesses, by using planning laws against the Town Hall.Vice police raided several flats in Shepherd Market, near Green Park, which have for decades been used for prostitution and reported them to the council’s planning department.The council then sent letters to […]
Press Release: Policing and Crime Bill MPs third reading
PUBLIC PRESSURE WINS GOVERNMENT CLIMB DOWN ON CRIMINALISING CLIENTS – BUT WHAT ABOUT SEX WORKERS? WHY ARE WE BEING ARRESTED? The government has been forced to amend Clause 13 of the Bill which made it a criminal offence for a man to have sex with a person “controlled for gain” whether he knew it or not. “Controlled […]
Briefing: Policing and Crime Bill third reading
By the English Collective of Prostitutes. Co-ordinators of the SAFETY FIRST COALITION Third Reading Tuesday 19 May. Using flawed trafficking statistics as justification, the measures target anyone involved in prostitution whether or not there is force or coercion. They would drive prostitution further underground and sex workers into even more danger. In the present recession, and combined […]
Update: Prosecution which undermined women’s safety dropped
We are delighted to report that charges against Ms W for “assisting in the management of a brothel” were dropped at the last minute in court on Wednesday 6 May 2009. Ms W is relieved and deeply grateful to all those who wrote in support. The prosecution offered no case on the grounds that there […]
Press Release: Vindictive and persecutory prosecution undermines safety
9.30am Highbury Magistrates, Court, Wednesday 6 May 2009 On Wednesday 6 May, Ms W goes to court charged under section 33 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956 with the offence “to assist in the management of a brothel” at two premises. Ms W had no responsibility for the flats. She is not a tenant, did not hold […]
The Guardian: Soho brothel closed by police can reopen, judge rules
A judge has ruled that a Soho brothel shut down by police earlier this month can reopen for business.Metropolitan police officers used antisocial behaviour legislation that came into effect at the end of last year to issue a closure notice on two flats in Dean Street, Soho, where sex is sold. But yesterday Mr Justice […]