On the 4th July, the UK voted in a general election.
Bethan Cobley, Director of External Relations at MSI Reproductive Choices, commented:
“MSI warmly congratulates The Labour Party on their election win and Sir Keir Starmer on his appointment as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
“As the government navigate the challenges ahead, we ask them to prioritise the rights of women and girls, and the needs of the most marginalised communities across the world.
“Expanding access to sexual and reproductive health and rights is foundational to so many areas of global development: ending preventable deaths, breaking cycles of poverty and supporting gender equality. And there has never been a more important time to double down on this work.
“Against a global backdrop of climate crisis, geopolitical instability and a rising anti-rights opposition, reproductive choice and rights underpin so much that is critical for current and future generations. The new Labour government has a vital role to play in driving forward progress and giving everyone the chance of a fairer future.
“In order to achieve this, a key step will be restoring development spending to 0.7% of gross national income, as well as committing to consistent and multiyear funding.
“In the UK, there are opportunities for progress too. Despite Safe Access Zones around abortion clinics in England and Wales being signed into law over a year ago, they have still not been implemented. Protecting those attending abortion clinics from harassment would be a quick, easy win for the government and we urge them to do so in their first 100 days in office. As the number of women investigated by the police for having an abortion continues to rise, the decriminalisation of abortion should also be a priority and we hope the government will engage with abortion providers on reform, including removing the requirement for two doctors to sign off every abortion procedure.
“As a global organisation supporting access to sexual and reproductive health and rights in 36 countries around the world, MSI is working to ensure that everyone has the power to choose their own future, on their terms, and we look forward to working closely in partnership with the new government to make that a reality.”
Notes to Editor
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