COMMENT: Theresa May urged to ratify convention aimed at ending violence against women

In response to the letter signed by more than 70 MPs urging Theresa May to ratify the Istanbul Convention, Lucy Russell, Campaign Manager at Plan International UK, said: "It is great to see the growing support for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. Urgent action is needed to tackle the epidemic of violence against women and girls, globally and in the UK.

"Violence against women and girls is not an abstract or distant problem - we know from our research that it is happening here in the UK - every day, on our streets, in our schools, and online.

"MPs are right to highlight the pressing need for mandatory sex and relationships education, which is critical to preventing violence. And equally the need for a deeper and better understanding to what is happening to girls online. Both of these solutions start with working with and listening to girls and boys."