Page 11 - BPW-UK - E-news - Edition 102 - May 2022

Question from Liz Jowett

As you were a local councillor before becoming an MP, would you encourage more women and
girls to engage in public life, for example as a school governor or as a local or parish councillor?
Sara replied “absolutely. It is imperative for girls and women to be more engaged with politics
at a local level.”
Question from Sue Ashmore

BPW UK is saddened by the fact that the Hereditary Titles (Female Succession) Bill has run out
of time. Will you support a further Bill in the next session of Parliament to allow the eldest child
of a titled family if female to inherit the title as of her own right?

Unfortunately, the last session ran out before there was time to discuss. Sara will support this
when it is re-tabled.

Question from Helen Ashworth

Do you think that as a young Lancashire Lass you have been made to feel welcome in the pre-
dominately male Public School/Oxbridge atmosphere of the House of Commons? Do you feel
that the inter relationships of men and women at Westminster are changing for the better?

Sara was at pains to assure us that she, personally, in fact has felt welcomed and supported by
all her colleagues within politics.

Question from Helen Ashworth
The constituency of Hyndburn where we both live is very deprived. How will you be able to
make sure that the proposed Levelling Up Agenda under Michael Gove will truly benefit your
constituents?
Sara replied that she is very focussed on making sure that her constituency is ‘up front and cen-
tral’ when discussions on funding, transport and education take place.

Question from Janice Alexander
Janice described the manner of confrontation and debate between the Prime Minister and the
Leader of the Opposition over “partygate” and “beergate”, amongst others, as “intolerant, rude
and disrespectful….not the conduct we expect of our role models.”
She said that she had always thought that more women in politics would restore some degree
of sense and civility. She asked Sara to reassure her that she hadn’t been wrong in thinking
this.

Sara agreed with the comments made, especially regarding the tone of debate in the House and
that Front Bench and Back Bench MPs should remember that they are being televised. It was
felt by all that the aggressive atmosphere in TV political debate in or out of the House could be
a disincentive to young women in particular.
Question from Norma Huddy

In other countries you are fined for not voting. Should we consider a change to this structure?
Sara responded that there are challenges with this approach in that voting papers will just be
spoiled or abstained and the voters aren’t necessarily engaging with what they are voting for.
It is shocking how many women will either not vote because of a lack of engagement or will fol-
low their husbands, whether it’s what they believe in or not.

Our thanks go to Sara for her time out of her extremely busy schedule to come and discuss with
us. Jackie Franklin, VP Media & Marketing