Oral Answers to Questions

Paula Barker Excerpts

Wednesday 11th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Stephen Timms]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that issue. There are serious concerns for people who are partially sighted or have a sight impairment. I am in conversation on that and hope we can make some progress.

[Paula Barker (Liverpool Wavertree) (Lab)]

T1. If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.

[The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)]

Women and girls should never have to shrink our lives or ambitions because of outdated misogynistic attitudes. The appalling testimonies we have heard in recent days underline how much further we have to go. I pay tribute to all the women who have shown such bravery in coming forward and sharing their experiences. The misogyny taskforce will help to tackle misogyny in workplaces, communities and online. It is backed by £15 million, which we are working with businesses and philanthropists to grow. The Government are clear that misogyny has no place in our society and it is time to consign those attitudes to history.

[Paula Barker]

A report in July by the Women and Equalities Committee found that black people are four times more likely to experience homelessness than people who are white. In 2025-26, black people made up 2% of households in Liverpool, with 12% of those recorded homeless, or at risk of being so. Despite the Government’s welcome commitment to end rough sleeping, they are still to respond to the Committee’s report. Will the Minister chase that urgently and set out what steps the Office for Equality and Opportunity is taking to ensure that the rough sleeping programme addresses the specific challenges facing black people experiencing homelessness?

[Bridget Phillipson]

The Committee’s report provides important evidence on the experiences of black people facing homelessness, and I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government will respond shortly. Last month, I visited Liverpool with Baroness Lawrence and the race equality engagement group, and we heard about how real efforts are being made to build stronger communities and tackle racism, and how important it is that there is safe and secure housing for ethnic minority communities across our country.