Better reporting needed to eradicate FGM in London

Posted by GLA Conservatives in News   Share2016

Jan
18

– Mayor challenged to act after ‘appalling’ number of cases in capital

Social workers, medical professionals and teachers need to help identify young girls at risk of FGM after an ‘appalling’ number of the crimes were reported in London.

Assembly Member Andrew Boff will be challenging Boris Johnson to take decisive action after it was reported that London accounted for more than half the number of FGM cases nationwide.

Between July and September last year, 758 new incidents were reported to the Metropolitan Police, compared to 1,385 nationwide.

At Mayor’s Question Time next Wednesday, Andrew Boff will call on the Mayor to facilitate better reporting of the crime to the Metropolitan Police to help tackle the issue.

Conservative London Assembly member Andrew Boff said:

“It is an absolute disgrace that this barbaric practice is being reported in any city, let alone London. It is an act that would seem out of place in the dark ages and yet it is being inflicted on young people living in our city today. Teachers, social workers and medical professionals all need to be alert and help identify young girls at risk before it is too late. The Mayor of London also needs to work with the Metropolitan Police and come up a swift and effective solution to eradicate this inhumane practice. A joined-up approach could mean more young girls are saved from suffering this abuse. We owe it to them to come up with results.”