North East PCCs welcome Labour’s new shadow minister
25th August 2014
Labour has appointed its first ever shadow minister for prevention of violence against women and girls (VAWG).
Seema Malhotra MP will work with shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper to tackle issues such as human trafficking, sexual violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and prostitution.
This is in line with Labour’s commitment to protect women and girls who are too often victimised and persecuted through various criminal acts.
The three Labour Police and Crime Commissioners of the North East have developed a regional strategy to tackle this abuse.
Northumbria PCC Vera Baird said: “As the Labour Party’s press release announcing Seema’s appointment makes clear, I am already working on the development of policy and legislation for our promise to introduce law to guarantee provision to tackle violence against women and girls. I have known Seema for a long time and she will be excellent in this new role.
“We look forward to working with her and it is clear that some of the changes we three regional PCCs have brought in through our strategy are likely to be taken on at a national level.”
Durham PCC Ron Hogg commented: “Alongside my colleagues in the North East, I have made violence against women and girls a priority for my police force. Labour has taken a strong lead on this issue and we look forward to having further support and direction in the form of Seema Malhotra.
“For too long, women and girls of the UK and the rest of the world have disproportionately suffered violence and injustice. We must work together in our efforts to end this suffering.”
Cleveland PCC Barry Coppinger added: “I welcome the focus that this appointment will bring on the important issue of tackling violence against women and girls.”
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