Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to criminalising the purchase of sex in order to protect vulnerable women.

The government is committed to eradicating violence against women and girls. This includes protecting those involved in prostitution who are particularly vulnerable. We are also committed to tackling the harm and exploitation to individuals, impact on communities, and links to organised crime, that can be associated with prostitution. Our focus is on harm-minimisation, including supporting those who wish to exit prostitution.

Our progress is constantly reviewed via the cross-government action plan on violence against women and girls. We are in regular dialogue with the relevant policing leads and the Crown Prosecution Service, to ensure that legislation and its enforcement remains as effective as possible.