Peter Gibson MP supported the Protection from Sex Based Harassment in Public Bill as it was debated and passed its third reading in the House of Common’s today.

This Private Members’ Bill was tabled by Greg Clark, the MP for Tunbridge Wells, who grew up in Normanby near Middlesbrough.

The Bill would create a new criminal offence of causing intentional harassment, alarm, or distress to a person in public where the behaviour is done because of that person’s sex and was discussed today (Friday, March 24).

32 per cent of women in the UK feel unsafe or very unsafe when walking alone in their local area at night, this compares to 13 per cent of men who expressed the same concern.

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Furthermore, 75 per cent of girls have experience unwanted sexual attention in public.

Over 30 per cent of girls have also been victims of verbal harassment at least once a month.

Mr Gibson previously backed the bill at its second reading in November 2022. Speaking during this debate Mr Gibson highlighted that the legislation joins a wide range of other legislation passed by Conservative Governments designed to better protect vulnerable people.

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Mr Gibson further called on the Government to publish the legislation to bring in a ban on Conversion Therapy Practices, which will add another layer of protection for people.

The bill secured cross party support, passing its third reading without the need for a division. It will now continue its legislative journey passing through the House of Lords.