MPs call for debate over legalising brothels

12:00pm Friday 22nd December 2006

Bradford MPs are calling for a debate on legalising brothels after the murder of five prostitutes in Ipswich.

Shipley MP Philip Davies said it was time MPs had a full, adult and open debate about the issue.

He said there were genuine arguments for and against legalising all aspects of prostitution, especially brothels, as it could be safer for women to work in numbers.

But he said ensuring women were not forced into prostitution must be paramount. Mr Davies (Con) said: "As long as women are entering into it of their own free will I think it should be allowed. It is not the business of anyone else and I would legalise it tomorrow. But the issue is more about increasing pimping and trafficking. If more people are forced into prostitution then it would be a bad thing."

Bradford North MP Terry Rooney (Lab) said he feared for the safety of women and children as young as 14 prostituting themselves on the streets of Bradford.

He said: "Almost anything would be safer than that. Maybe now is the time to debate it as there is a real safety issue. We could look at experiences of other countries."

A woman can legally "sell herself" in a private house but if there is more than one woman the premises are seen as a brothel and illegal. Street soliciting is illegal, as is living off immoral earnings - including pimping or running a brothel.

The Government is now considering relaxing laws surrounding brothels, making it legal for a maximum of three to work together from a private address. While this could improve safety and get women off the streets, there are concerns many people could adopt a not in my back yard' attitude.

Bradford West MP Marsha Singh said the debate was needed but what the women wanted needed to be taken into account.

Mr Singh (Lab) said: "Maybe some of the girls would not want to be in an institutionalised setting. There is not a standard answer but now is the time to discuss it.

"Legalising brothels could make women safer but would people accept one in their street or area and would they want cars turning up there at all hours?"

Keighley MP Ann Cryer (Lab) said: "From what we have learnt in the last few days I think it is time we allowed more than one girl to work in a house. If there are two, one could call the police if a man became violent. If neither was making money out of the other there is not a problem, as long as they are not being controlled."

Former Bradford prostitute Charlie Daniels is also calling for safer environments to eradicate the dangers of street prostitution.

Earlier this year she told the Telegraph & Argus: "If we push vice any further underground more problems are created. If run properly, saunas/massage parlours provide a safe, healthy environment for women.

"As long as parlours are registered, have open communication with the vice squad and are checked by an outside agency who can report back to police, they should continue as they are."

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