Live webchat with Norman Baker MP Home Office Minister on FGM. Thurs 6th Feb 12pm-1pm

[KatieMumsnet]

Hello

Norman Baker MP is joining us on International Day for Zero Tolerance towards Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) for a live webchat.

Norman Baker is Minister of State for Crime Prevention with responsibility for domestic violence, including forced marriage, honour-based killing and FGM.

You can find out more about FGM - what it is, its risks and practices - here.

FGM is illegal in the UK, but it is estimated that up to 20,000 girls in the UK are at risk of suffering genital mutilation, and that more than 60,000 women have already been cut. Despite recent statements from the CPS that a prosecution is close, no one in the UK has ever been charged.

Do read a recent guest post from FGM survivor and mother
Leyla Hussein - 'Making sure my daughter wasn't cut is my greatest achievement' - and a guest post from survivor Nimco Ali on why the government must act to stop more girls being cut.

Both women are co-founders of Daughters of Eve, a non-profit organisation that works to protect girls and young women who are at risk from FGM. Their stories are harrowing, but incredibly powerful.

You can also look back at our webchat with Lynne Featherstone, during which she answered questions on FGM in her capacity as International Development Minister

Please do post your questions below in advance or join us live between 12pm and 1pm on Thurs 6th Feb.

Thanks,
MNHQ

Hi Norman and thank you for answering my question. I am pleased to hear that the subject makes you angry, the determination of those in office to see this issue addressed is heartening. (Just got in from work off to read the rest of the thread now)

I hope you get those declarations.

It's 1pm and I'm afraid I have to go to my next engagement (trying to deal with the illegal importation of endangered species).

Thanks very much for a bunch of stimulating questions and for taking such an interest.

Best wishes

Norman

Thank you, I hope it's been helpful

Norman, thank you for answering my questions. I think the imans and otehr religus leaders need to actively address the issue, as just a writtennnotice will be ignored, and also a number of the people I know from Somalia cannot read any language well.

Thanks.

Don't you find it incredible that this practice is generally carried out by women?

Good to know Norman has ticked one off his to do list, now he's off to the zoo and he is also a closet American in that he thanks us a bunch.

"Thanks very much for a bunch of stimulating questions and for taking such an interest"

That doesn't sound like a MP to me it does sound like one of their Research Assistant's, many of whom happen to be American.

Which, he didn't say "thanks a bunch ", he says thanks for a bunch of questions. MNHQ typically types the answers of the guests.

Good webchat, thank you.

Hi. I made an application form for replacement biometric recidency card two weeks ago. But I haven't heard anything from you. II am travelling outside the UK. And I need the biometriccard to be able to get the visa. It's very urgent. I please let me know for other details. Thanks