Violence against Women and Domestic Violence Debate

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Department: Home Office

Violence against Women and Domestic Violence

Baroness Chakrabarti Excerpts
Thursday 1st December 2022

(1 year, 11 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Sharpe of Epsom Portrait Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Con)
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I can tell the House that if we had not introduced the reservation, it would have taken even longer. As to why it took so long, no, I do not know the answer.

Baroness Chakrabarti Portrait Baroness Chakrabarti (Lab)
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My Lords, I appreciate that the Minister has said that the Government are considering removing the reservation, but can he explain a little about what the problem is? He will know, of course, that Article 59 does not give blanket residence to any class of women. It just says that a competent authority should consider their circumstances and, where necessary, give this vital protection to them.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom Portrait Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Con)
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Again, as I think I have explained, the Government are assessing the evidence that is coming back from the migrant victims scheme pilot programme.