Ratification of the Istanbul Convention

That this House notes that 8 June 2021 will mark nine years since the UK signed the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence; acknowledges the work by the former hon. Member for Banff and Buchan, Eilidh Whiteford, in securing the passage of legislation enshrining the requirement for the UK to ratify the Convention; notes that since this Act received Royal Assent four years have passed with no indication that ratification is imminent; recognises the need for both national and international action to tackle violence against women and girls; and supports the call by IC Change and other organisations for the Government to ratify the Convention by 8 June 2022.