Harman pursues prostitution law reform

Harriet Harman is to step up her bid to criminalise the purchase of sex following the release of new figures surrounding public perceptions of prostitution.

Labour's deputy leader and minister for women complained of the "double standards" that exist when it comes to men and women's attitudes towards prostitution.

A poll conducted by Ipsos-Mori found 42 per cent of men thought paying for sex was unacceptable, compared with 61 per cent of women.

The poll also found that although 50 per cent of men aged over 55 thought buying and selling sex was unacceptable, 79 per cent would find it unacceptable should a female relative sell sex.

Her comments come as a charity found that the brothel industry in London is widespread, with some charging just £15 for sex.

A large majority – 85 per cent – of brothels in London can be found in residential areas, with Westminster having the largest number with 71.

The Poppy Project in Southwark discovered that as well as offering sex for £15, some brothels would allow a punter to have unprotected intercourse for £10 extra.

Harman responded to the report by saying that some young women are "tricked [into the country] and then forced into prostitution".

"Even amongst people who thought selling sex was a reasonable choice to make, the overwhelming majority would then find it unacceptable if a family member was working as a prostitute.

"While the majority of men and women agree that paying for sex should be made illegal if it will help stop the trafficking of women for sexual exploitation, women and young people are much more likely to find the whole idea of paying for sex unacceptable.

"We know that paying for sex fuels the demand for trafficked women and children, but we can't talk about tackling demand without challenging cultural attitudes more widely."

And co-author of the report Helen Atkins said: "This research shows the disturbing prevalence of the sex industry in every corner of London - fuelled by the demand for prostitution services.

"Multi-media misrepresentations of commercial sex as a glamorous, easy and fun career choice for girls and women further contribute to the ubiquity of London's brothel industry.

"However, for most women involved in prostitution, the reality is a cycle of violence and coercion, perpetuated by poverty and inequality."