Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP will introduced a Private Member’s Bill (PMB) to make the Istanbul Convention law in the UK. The Istanbul Convention is the most comprehensive legal framework that exists, outlining minimum standards for a State’s response to violence against women and girls. It covers prevention, protection, prosecution and monitoring. Violence against women and girls takes many forms and is widespread in the UK. The Istanbul Convention would guarantee urgently needed change to prevent and tackle violence against women. For example, it would protect funding for domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centres, and 24/7 helplines; ensure education on healthy relationships in schools; and guarantee awareness-raising campaigns. Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP has introduced a Private Member’s Bill (PMB) which would require the UK Government to make the Istanbul Convention law in the UK. The second hearing will be on Friday 16 December. 100 MPs are required to attend and vote if the Bill is to pass to the next stage. On Monday 5 December in the House of Lords, there will be a public call for ratification of the Convention by Faith Leaders from across the UK. Eilidh will outline why the Istanbul Convention is so important and answer questions about the PMB. Dr Marsha Scott, CEO of Scottish Women’s Aid, will also speak about Scottish and cross-Parliament campaigning to secure ratification. It was a great pleasure to welcome Dr Eilidh Whiteford – MP for Banff and Buchan and a senior member of the SNP Group at Westminister – to New College, and to introduce her at the meeting co-hosted by CTPI and Scottish Women’s Aid, about the Istanbul Convention to prevent and combat Violence Against Women. Eilidh will introduce a Private Member’s Bill at Westminster on Friday 16 December 2016 seeking ratification by the UK Government of the Convention, and spoke with clarity, authority and passion about the Convention and her Bill. Nat Williams, a reporter for the Common Space online news site, was present at the meeting, and has written an excellent summary explaining the significance of the Convention. https://www.commonspace.scot/articles/9787/explainer-what-istanbul-conve… Eilidh’s talk was recorded and a link will follow. She needs 100 MPs to turn up on Friday 16 December in order for the Bill to proceed to the next stage. More information about the campaign for ratification, and resources from http://icchange.co.uk/ #ChangeHerStory #ICChange Picture: Dr Marsha Scott (Scottish Women’s Aid), Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP, Dr Lesley Orr (CTPI) This event took place on 3rd November 2016. This article was published on 2024-03-19
