Harman calls for more female MPs

Harriet Harman, who has been appointed equalities secretary, is calling for more female MPs in the House of Commons.

Speaking at a reception held by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) reception, the deputy labour party leader pledged to work to increase the number of women in Parliament.

Just 20 per cent of MPs in the House of Commons are currently female, despite commitments from various parties to increase the number of women in office.

A new report by the EOC estimated that it will take 195 for the proportion of female MPs to reach 50 per cent unless urgent action is taken to address the gender balance.

Personnel Today quotes Ms Harman as saying: "We are not going to wait for 200 years for the gap between men and women in Parliament to close - absolutely not."

The minister is running a summer campaign to canvass voters about issues of particular interest to women that will feed into government policy.

Ms Harman, who is also leader of the Commons and party chairwoman, now holds a total of five government and party posts.

She is the new minister for women and plans to use the post to press for greater gender equality in Britain, including boosting the number of female MPs.

© Adfero Ltd
Date:27/07/2007 11:41:40