WE celebrate landmark Istanbul Convention victory and determine to take on Philip Davies
Published 24 February 2017
Today the Women’s Equality Party celebrated alongside a coalition of women’s organisations as the House of Commons voted through life-saving legislation aimed at tackling violence against women and girls.
Despite a 90 minute filibuster attempt by Philip Davies MP, the Bill to Ratify the Istanbul Convention - widely considered the gold standard for ending violence against women and girls - won government backing and significant cross-party support as 138 MPs backed the bill.
As Davies spoke, WE members laid a wreath of white roses at his constituency office in Shipley, marking the lives of 616 women killed by men since the government first signed the the Convention in June 2012, in order to remind him of what was at stake. He was also showered online with white roses sent by WE members and supporters from across the UK
The Women’s Equality Party is determined to oust Davies. “We are exploring a range of options in partnership with our local branch and other organisations,” said Sophie Walker, WE Leader.
“Philip Davies took the floor for over 90 minutes this morning in a grandstanding exercise grounded not in reason but in rancor,” she continued. “In the five years since the UK first promised to ratify the Convention, 616 women have been killed by male violence. Today his shameless attempt to filibuster the bill dishonoured their memories.
“When we founded this party, we set out to imagine a world in which violence against women is not just managed, but eradicated. That’s why we’ve been committed since day one to ratifying the Istanbul Convention. WE are proud to work alongside a coalition of women’s organisations in the IC Change campaign, and we will not let the attention-seeking stunts of one man derail our work. Together, we’ve shown that Philip Davies and his ilk are on the wrong side of history.”
“Two women are murdered every week and vital services are on their knees,” said Walker. “Today’s crucial ‘yes’ vote on ratifying the Istanbul Convention is an important step towards ending violence against women. The Women’s Equality Party will continue to ensure this is ‘a top priority’ for the government. Today’s success is testament to the work WE are doing to move these issues up the political agenda.”