Nickie Aiken, Member of Parliament for the Cities of London & Westminster, spoke out in the House of Commons to champion the critical role of the Council of Europe.
In a debate brought forward by John Howell MP, Nickie championed the Council of Europe, the European continent's leading human rights organisation. Set up in 1949, the Council upholds human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe and is made up of 46 member states, including Ukraine, Georgia, and Turkey, to name but a few.
During the debate, Nickie spoke about her first trip to the Council of Europe since being appointed to the UK delegation. On that trip, Nickie was proud to lead responses to reports on sexual violence in conflict, and violence against women and girls, and she called on all members to join her in standing up for women's and girls' rights around the world.
Nickie also spoke about the heartbreaking testimony she heard from Ukrainian delegates who attended whilst in the grip of a vicious war.
Nickie concluded that the Council of Europe is a force for good, and the UK is a key member. Nickie looks forward to returning and continuing the UK’s leadership of upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law.