By Andrew Ranger

MP for Wrexham

This week marks White Ribbon Day 2024. I have been proud to be a White Ribbon Ambassador for several years.

White Ribbon UK is the leading charity that engages men and boys to end violence against women and girls. White Ribbon focuses on preventative changes to harmful cultures, attitudes and behaviours.

As men, we need to recognise that preventing violence against women and girls starts with men. Violence is often rooted in harmful masculine traits. By challenging each other’s attitudes and behaviours that are harmful to women, we can affect positive change that will transform culture. Gender equality is key to making this happen and recognising our responsibility as allies.

It is vital that change starts to happen. 70% of women in the UK say they have experienced sexual harassment in public, 3 in 5 women have experiences sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse at work and 1.4 million women experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023.

I am proud to wear my White Ribbon badge in Parliament. The Labour Party manifesto pledged to halve violence against women and girls, and I was delighted to see the first actions announced by the Home Secretary such as embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms, new domestic abuse protection orders and tougher sanctions if these are breached. There will also be a focus on supporting schools and education centres on teaching children about healthy relationships, respect and consent.

Recently, I joined Fast Track Cymru at their conference at the Stok Cae Ras and listened to their vital work in how to reduce stigma on HIV. People who are diagnosed with HIV can live as long and as healthily as anyone else, however early diagnosis is vital so that treatment can be started as soon as possible.

Last week was Wales HIV Test Week which encourages everyone to get tested.

Together, we can help stop HIV in its tracks by getting tested. Anyone in Wales can order a free, confidential home test which you can order here.

Finally, I am delighted to see the return of the Wrexham Victorian Christmas Markets along with the long-awaited reopening of the refurbished Butchers Market and General Market.

Wrexham has a long history of being a market town and I am looking forward to visiting the markets as we get into the festive season.