Karen Bradley

Although there has been a reduction in the overall number of national security attacks in recent years, vigilance in the face of this continuing threat remains essential.

The duty is an important step forward in tackling this practice, and we believe that it will make sure professionals have the confidence to confront FGM, we need to ensure that where a serious crime has been committed, the police are informed and can instigate an appropriate multi-agency response to protect girls and bring perpetrators to justice.

Crimes motivated by hatred or hostility towards someone because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender-identity or because they are disabled are absolutely abhorrent and this government will do everything to eradicate them.

There is no honor in forcing a girl to marry against her will, to use violence and abuse to deny a woman the right to choose the clothes she wears, the right to pursue the career she wants, the right to have the friends she wants.