Parliament this week has seen the continuation of the Queen’s speech debate, including an afternoon devoted to “Safer Streets” during which I spoke about the possibility of making public sexual harassment a specific offence and the importance of making not only our streets safer but also the online space. I am pleased the Home Secretary has taken the time to meet campaigners from Our Streets Now, having met them myself recently I know what committed and persuasive campaigners they are.
Of course making our streets safer is not just about women, but about everyone, and I know the Police locally have been working hard with dispersal orders and proactive community policing to tackle a number of incidents of antisocial behaviour in Romsey town centre. Both Inspector Taylor and Chief Inspector Thorne have been keeping me up to date with various initiatives designed to convey the message to those who have been perpetrating this sort of nuisance activity that it is unacceptable. I have also highlighted the issue to the new Police and Crime Commissioner, and asked her to come for an evening walkabout with me in Romsey.
The Government included its commitment to make restaurants / cafes etc publish the calorie content on menus in the Queen’s Speech and next week there is a debate on the Obesity Strategy. I am disappointed not to be able to make it, as the Women and Equalities Select Committee is scheduled to be hearing from Dr Tony Sewell, the Chair of the Government’s Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, at the same time. Remote participation has enabled us to achieve a great deal over the last year, but it is not yet possible to be in two places at the same time, Chairing a Select Committee and participating in the Chamber. A shame, as I would very much like to speak in the debate, and tag the Committee’s latest report to the debate, but alas it is simply not possible.
