![Lack of women and minority groups in parliament needs to be tackled, MPs warn](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/02/24/20/AFP_323V8QX.jpg?quality=75&width=1200&auto=webp)
Lack of women and minority groups in parliament needs to be tackled, MPs warn
The IndependentSign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A report, carried out by the Women and Equalities Committee, said the government must introduce measures to ensure a “generation of women in politics” is not lost. Caroline Nokes, who is chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, noted the job of MPs is ultimately to represent their constituents, adding that racial and gender inequalities mean “at present, we simply don’t”. Viscous abuse, including rape and death threats, is totally unacceptable.” Ms Nokes called for measures to be rolled out to safeguard female MPs and political candidates, warning women could be put off pursuing political careers if this issue is not addressed. The report argues “vicious misogynistic abuse must not be accepted as an inevitable fact of a woman's life in politics,” and draws attention to the fact harassment leads to the “poorer retention rate of female MPs” in comparison to male politicians.
History of this topic
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