Debates between Harriett Baldwin and Peter Bone during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Harriett Baldwin and Peter Bone
Wednesday 13th February 2019

(5 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Harriett Baldwin Portrait Harriett Baldwin
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The right hon. Lady is absolutely right to highlight the fact that FGM happens in many countries in the world. The DFID funding that I mentioned and the work that we have been doing has been focused specifically on 17 African countries. In that regard, I am pleased that 8,000 communities, representing more than 24 million people, have pledged to give up the practice.

Peter Bone Portrait Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con)
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Will the Minister tell us why the Government have not introduced legislation—they control the House and could get it through—rather than leave it to the vagaries of a private Member’s Bill? If they are interested in it, they should do something about it.

Harriett Baldwin Portrait Harriett Baldwin
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My hon. Friend would lead me down paths that are best left to the Government Whips and the Ministry of Justice, but the UK does of course believe that we can work with some of the citizen-led movements in Africa to change perceptions around FGM.