16th December 2016

MPs voted to ratify the Istanbul Convention

MPs voted on the 16 December on the next stage in the process which could see the UK ratifying the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, and domestic violence. 

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.

The private members bill introduced by Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP needed 100 members to turn up and vote. 

The Bill was passed by 135 votes to 2, and will now progress to committee stage.

Campaigning group IC Change encouraged MPs to attend today's vote, which received a high attendance despite the timing of the bill.

More information on the campaign is available here: icchange.co.uk