Pimping websites and paying for sex

Carolyn Harris Excerpts

Wednesday 4th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Carolyn Harris (Neath and Swansea East) (Lab)]

I rise on the 10th day of the UN’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence to present a petition on commercial sexual exploitation on behalf of my constituents in Neath and Swansea East. Pimping websites are used by traffickers to advertise and facilitate the sexual exploitation of women. Our laws against pimping have failed to keep pace with technological change, and such websites are now readily accessible and play a key role in enabling sex trafficking in this country. Victims of trafficking and exploitation are some of the most vulnerable in our society, and it is our duty to protect them. The petition therefore requests

“that the House of Commons urges the Government to outlaw pimping websites and paying for sex, and provide support, not sanctions, to victims of sexual exploitation.”

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The petition of residents of the constituency of Neath and Swansea East,

Declares that demand from the minority of men who pay for sex is driving the prostitution and sex trafficking trade, and this sexual exploitation is being facilitated by pimping websites that operate with impunity.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to outlaw pimping websites and paying for sex, and provide support, not sanctions, to victims of sexual exploitation.

And the petitioners remain, etc.]

[P003026]