Oral Answers to Questions

Theresa Villiers Excerpts

Wednesday 28th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Brandon Lewis]

A number of local authorities are looking at how they can vary their meeting times. The Local Government Association, the chairman of which I met just this morning, is looking at how it can advise local authorities on what they can do to encourage more participation. Some local authorities even pay for childcare; but ultimately, we have to make sure that people feel they can conduct themselves in public life with respect and have the space for proper, robust public debate.

[Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) (Con)]

Will the Government work with schools and universities to encourage more young women to get involved in standing for political office?

[Brandon Lewis]

Absolutely. Again, my right hon. Friend makes a good observation. It is important that we encourage people from all backgrounds, including women and young people, to feel that they can get involved and that there are opportunities to get involved, participate and contribute to public life. To do that, they need to feel safe in that environment, and that is largely down to the political parties delivering it.