Tories: Greater focus on the causes of prostitution

Tuesday, 17, Jan 2006 12:00

The Conservatives have criticised the government's new strategy for prostitution, saying "policy cannot simply focus on demand".

Today's plans focus on greater penalties for kerb crawlers, and a new offence of loitering or soliciting for prostitution.

Home affairs spokesman Edward Garnier said: "Prostitution is a serious problem, which needs to be tackled in a thoughtful and sensible way.

"We need to focus on the underlying social problems which force men, women and children into prostitution, such as family breakdown, drug misuse, child abuse, domestic violence and debt.

"The Conservative party realise the need to try and stem the demand for prostitution, yet government policy cannot simply focus on demand.

"It must also look thoughtfully and intelligently at the issues which lead vulnerable people to becoming prostitutes in the first place."