SNP MP calls for UK government to comply with convention combating domestic violence against females

An SNP MP has presented a bill to Parliament calling on the UK government to “take all reasonable steps as soon as reasonably practicable to enable the UK to become compliant with the Council of Europe convention - the Istanbul Convention - on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence”.

Eilidh Whiteford, MP for Banff and Buchan said: “The bill that I will publish on Thursday will enable the government to move towards ratification of the Istanbul Convention – an international treaty that would improve the lives of women and girls here at home, and abroad.

“I was pleased to be able to write to all MPs this evening explaining what my bill seeks to do, and ask for their support.

“We’ve been waiting over four and a half years for the UK government to ratify the Istanbul Convention.

“It is no longer a valid excuse to say there is not enough Parliamentary time to take forward the necessary changes to domestic legislation.”

She added: “I have, however, listened to the government, and the bill will enable them to set out a clear timetable to bring forward the required legislation, and ratify the Istanbul Convention as a national priority. If the UK government is as committed to ratifying the convention as they say, they should be able to support this bill.”