Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Attorney General

Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Stephenson Excerpts
Thursday 15th October 2015

(8 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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The Minister for Women and Equalities was asked—
Andrew Stephenson Portrait Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)
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1. What steps the Government are taking to increase the participation of women and girls in sport.

Glyn Davies Portrait Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con)
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7. What steps the Government are taking to increase the participation of women and girls in sport.

Caroline Dinenage Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women and Equalities and Family Justice (Caroline Dinenage)
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First, I would like to welcome the hon. Members for Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green) and for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Cat Smith) to their new positions. I should also like to thank the hon. Member for Ashfield (Gloria De Piero) for her commitment to promoting equality.

The Government are determined to tackle this important issue. The award-winning This Girl Can campaign is a fantastic example of the work we have been doing to encourage women into sport. It features real women of all different shapes, sizes and abilities taking part in sport and, most importantly, having fun. We know that 75% of women want to be more active, and this campaign, which has been viewed by more than 13 million people, offers them the inspiration to do just that.

Andrew Stephenson Portrait Andrew Stephenson
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The Pendle sports awards, which took place just two weeks ago, recognised the achievements of sportswomen across Pendle, including Bethany Widdup, who is now a member of the British ski team, and many others who have excelled thanks to grass-roots sports clubs across Pendle. What more can my hon. Friend do to give our local sports clubs the help they need to get even more women and girls involved?