Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy

Debate between Baroness Smith of Cluny and Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

Wednesday 21st January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Cluny (Lab)]

The Government are aware, and that is why we have taken a whole-system approach in the strategy. A cross-government approach means that the housing needs of such children will be addressed through the strategy, as well as social care, education and any relevant criminal justice needs. The central plank of the strategy is that it is cross-governmental, as a well as taking a whole-system approach more generally.

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)]

My Lords, there is an international dimension to this, though the strategy is domestically focused. The crime of honour-based violence, as raised by noble friend Lady Sugg, as well as FGM and forced marriage, carry an international dimension. When may we expect the action plan, the details of which were announced in the strategy, to be formally launched?

[Baroness Smith of Cluny (Lab)]

I am pleased to be able to tell the noble Lord that the Government will host a round table on FGM in March. It will be focused on prevention, investigation and prosecution, and is part of the whole-society approach to which I have already alluded.