Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Eddie Hughes and Brandon Lewis

Wednesday 14th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)]

T2. In the centenary of the Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act 1918, how do we encourage greater diversity among candidates for public office, such as Amandeep Garcha, a Sikh woman in my constituency?

[The Minister without Portfolio (Brandon Lewis)]

My hon. Friend makes a good point. It is fantastic to see such wide diversity of candidates in Walsall. I remind the House that the Government Equalities Office is providing financial assistance for all MPs, to encourage female constituents to come here on 21 November, and I hope more colleagues will take up that opportunity.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Eddie Hughes and Brandon Lewis

Wednesday 28th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)]

3. What assessment he has made of the nature and extent of barriers to women seeking election to political office.

[The Minister without Portfolio (Brandon Lewis)]

The Government Equalities Office has commissioned a review to identify barriers that limit women’s participation in national Government, the aim being to provide political parties with a range of solutions to draw on. We will also launch a consultation this summer on the introduction of a new electoral offence to tackle the intimidation of parliamentary candidates and campaigners.

[Eddie Hughes]

Can my right hon. Friend suggest what more can be done to counter the often toxic atmosphere on social media that is frequently directed at female candidates?

[Brandon Lewis]

My hon. Friend makes a very important point, and he is right. Sadly, it is noticeable that abuse on social media is particularly directed at women. We recently enacted the Digital Economy Act 2017 to help ensure that online abuse is effectively tackled through a robust code; but ultimately, as political parties, we have our bit to do to make sure we give people protection online—robust debate but with respect—and it is very sad that the Labour party has failed to live up to that by bringing forward its own respect pledge.