Luton North MP Sarah Owen has been elected Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee and pledged to work on issues from misogyny and violence against women and girls to disability and intersectional issues.
The result of the election was announced in the Chamber by the Speaker following a ballot.
Ms Owen said: “I’m delighted to be elected Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee and look forward to working cross-party with colleagues to hold the Government to account on equality law and policy and to scrutinise legislation.
“The new Committee will look to build on WEC’s ground-breaking inquiries on misogyny and violence against women and girls, plus work on disability and intersectional issues.
“While it is welcome that Parliament is becoming more diverse and representative, there is still much to be done to examine persistent inequalities in our society and the barriers faced by particular communities, to help effect positive change for people in their everyday lives.”
In a post on her social media channels the Member of Parliament said: “It’s an honour to be elected Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee – a Committee that scrutinises government policy and proposed laws around equality and women and minority rights.
“I know from representing a diverse constituency like Luton North, one town made up of many voices, that there is much work to do on making sure government policy works for everyone.
“I look forward to meeting the committee members and starting our crucial work.
Earlier this week, Ms Owen Today was also re-elected as co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Muslims.
She said: “I will continue to fight for fairness and equality for all British Muslims, whether that’s tackling Islamophobia or working to ensure people can practice their faith safely and to celebrate British Muslim contributions in Luton North and across the UK.”
