Today's issue … Prostitution crackdown

Tuesday, 17, Jan 2006 12:00

The government will adopt a zero tolerance approach to the demand for prostitution, under plans published today.

Last year the government hinted at the possibility of liberalising existing prostitution laws, with the decriminalisation of some brothels and designated red light zones to make prostitution safer.

The law on brothels may still be relaxed, but today's plans demonstrate a much tougher line - police will be encouraged to confiscate the driving licenses of kerb crawlers and to work more closely with charity safe houses to help more women off the streets.

About 80,000 women work as prostitutes in Britain, half of them under the age of 25.

Many charities are set to welcome the new strategy, but some fear that a crackdown could drive prostitution further underground, making the lives of prostitutes even more dangerous.

politics.co.uk brings you the key quotes and comment.