Sarah Champion MP pushes Minister to adopt new law to protect women around the world

Sarah Champion MP and Baroness Hodgson of Abinger met with Foreign Office Minister, Lord Collins, to seek Government support for their Women, Peace & Security (WPS) Bill, scheduled for 2nd Reading in the Commons on 20th June.              

Champion urged the Minister to adopt her proposed law to soften the impact of the aid cuts. She argued that at a moment when women’s and girls’ rights are under attack, the UK must do more, not less to champion women’s’ voices. 

The Bill recognises that women are disproportionately affected by conflict and seeks to ensure their full and equal participation in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and peacekeeping, at no extra cost to the Government. It does so by putting the UK’s commitments to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on a statutory footing, changing its obligations to women, peace and security, from a “should” to a “must”.  

It was first introduced in 2022 in the House of Lords, by Baroness Hodgson, and received cross-party support. Champion is now bringing it to the Commons in the hope that the Government will make it law. 

Commenting, Sarah Champion MP said:

“War affects women disproportionately. 40% of deaths in conflict are women, yet they only make up 10% of the negotiators at the peace table. As the ‘penholder’ for Women Peace and Security at the UNSC, the UK must lead from the front, enshrining the commitments it has already made into domestic law. This would send a clear signal that the UK values and prioritises women’s rights, in a world of insecurity and uncertainty.” 

Commenting, Baroness Hodgson of Abinger CBE said:

“This is a real test as to whether the Government will commit to its obligations to support women and girls in conflict states and honour its manifesto pledge to empower them in foreign policy.” 

ENDS. 

Notes to Editors: Women, Peace and Security Bill: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3754