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16/07/2004
Blunkett reveals plans to shake up sex laws
Local authorities could be given the power to set up "managed" prostitution zones, one of the options being considered by a new Government rethink on vice law.
Other developments proposed in the Home Office consultation paper include the legalisation of brothels, and the introduction of state registration and regular health checks for sex workers.
Home Secretary David Blunkett described the rethink as an attempt to combat the "devastating consequences" of the sex trade, and pledged to use the new legislation to target organised crime and people trafficking.
It is thought that around 80,000 women are involved in prostitution in the UK, with a high percentage reporting addiction to Class A drugs.
The Home Office paper follows four months of government debate on various aspects of sex laws, including an examination of the methods used by other countries when dealing with sex workers.
Some cities have already requested permission to establish managed tolerance zones, but Mr Blunkett stressed that no initiative would be given the go-ahead without prior consultation and "thorough" public debate.
Mr Blunkett added: "There are important tasks ahead of us and there are no easy answers or one single solution."
(CL)
Other developments proposed in the Home Office consultation paper include the legalisation of brothels, and the introduction of state registration and regular health checks for sex workers.
Home Secretary David Blunkett described the rethink as an attempt to combat the "devastating consequences" of the sex trade, and pledged to use the new legislation to target organised crime and people trafficking.
It is thought that around 80,000 women are involved in prostitution in the UK, with a high percentage reporting addiction to Class A drugs.
The Home Office paper follows four months of government debate on various aspects of sex laws, including an examination of the methods used by other countries when dealing with sex workers.
Some cities have already requested permission to establish managed tolerance zones, but Mr Blunkett stressed that no initiative would be given the go-ahead without prior consultation and "thorough" public debate.
Mr Blunkett added: "There are important tasks ahead of us and there are no easy answers or one single solution."
(CL)
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25 October 2004
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
05 June 2003
Blunkett holds 'constructive' talks with Afghan President
The Home Secretary held what has been described as a "constructive" meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in London today. David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue. Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
Blunkett holds 'constructive' talks with Afghan President
The Home Secretary held what has been described as a "constructive" meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in London today. David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue. Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
16 August 2010
Government 'To Axe Mixed-Sex Hospital Wards'
Mixed-sex hospital wards are to be axed in England by the end of the year, the government has announced. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that he had repeatedly expressed "deep frustration" that the practice had not been stopped and said: "Eliminating mixed-sex accommodation is in patients' best interests.
Government 'To Axe Mixed-Sex Hospital Wards'
Mixed-sex hospital wards are to be axed in England by the end of the year, the government has announced. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that he had repeatedly expressed "deep frustration" that the practice had not been stopped and said: "Eliminating mixed-sex accommodation is in patients' best interests.
03 March 2010
Sex Offender Identity Scheme Widens
More parents across the UK have been given the power to identify convicted paedophiles in their community. Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the scheme will improve protection for children by giving members of the public a formal mechanism to enquire about those in contact with young people.
Sex Offender Identity Scheme Widens
More parents across the UK have been given the power to identify convicted paedophiles in their community. Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the scheme will improve protection for children by giving members of the public a formal mechanism to enquire about those in contact with young people.
15 April 2003
New measures to curb sex tourism revealed
Registered sex offenders who travel abroad will have to notify the police if they plan to be away for three days or more, under new measure designed to tighten laws governing sex offenders. The government's Sexual Offences Bill today which will also see sex offenders required to give the police seven days notice of their intention to travel.
New measures to curb sex tourism revealed
Registered sex offenders who travel abroad will have to notify the police if they plan to be away for three days or more, under new measure designed to tighten laws governing sex offenders. The government's Sexual Offences Bill today which will also see sex offenders required to give the police seven days notice of their intention to travel.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
