Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lauren Sullivan and Fleur Anderson

Wednesday 21st May 2025 Commons Chamber

[Dr Lauren Sullivan (Gravesham) (Lab)]

6. What steps he is taking to support the Northern Ireland Executive in tackling violence against women and girls.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Fleur Anderson)]

Rates of violence against women and girls are higher in Northern Ireland than anywhere else in the UK. This Government are committed to working with the Executive to tackle this emergency, and I have met and supported many politicians and organisations across Northern Ireland that are doing just that. The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham Yardley (Jess Phillips), and I recently met the Northern Ireland TEO—The Executive Office—and Justice Ministers in Belfast to discuss working closely together, including on online safety and support for frontline organisations.

[Dr Sullivan]

The strategy for tackling violence against women and girls must challenge the attitudes that enable it. What recent discussions has the Minister had with stakeholders across Northern Ireland to support these campaign efforts?