Corbyn Considers Women-Only Train Carriages

Women-only train carriages could be introduced to help guard against sex attacks at night, Jeremy Corbyn has said.

The frontrunner in the Labour leadership race said he was considering the idea after women told him they believed it could be the answer to a rise in harassment on public transport.

The plan - part of Mr Corbyn's street harassment policy - comes after police revealed the number of sex offences on UK railways rose by a quarter last year.

Women-only carriages are already used in countries including Japan, Brazil and India and Transport Minister Claire Perry has previously indicated she would explore introducing them in the UK.

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Mr Corbyn said: "The excellent work of individuals, campaigns, and groups like Everyday Sexism and Stop Street Harassment has highlighted just how prevalent street harassment is in our country today and the extent to which many women feel uncomfortable, anxious, and unsafe just going about their daily routines.

"It is simply unacceptable that many women and girls adapt their daily lives in order to avoid being harassed on the street, public transport and in other public places from the park to the supermarket.

"This could include taking longer routes to work, having self-imposed curfews, or avoiding certain means of transport.

"My intention would be to make public transport safer for everyone from the train platform, to the bus stop, on the mode of transport itself.

"However, I would consult with women and open it up to hear their views on whether women-only carriages would be welcome - and also if piloting this at times and on modes of transport where harassment is reported most frequently would be of interest."

Some British trains had "Ladies Only" compartments until 1977, when new carriages and equality legislation saw them phased out.

Women's Minister Nicky Morgan told Sky News Sunrise she was "very uncomfortable" with the idea of bringing them back.

She said: "It seems to me not to tackle the issue, which is that women should feel safe and be free from harassment on public transport."

Mr Corbyn's leadership rivals also came out against the idea.

Yvette Cooper tweeted: "Just got off tube. Majority of passengers women. Why should we have to shut ourselves away to stay safe?"

Andy Burnham said: "In this day and age, we shouldn't be even considering the idea of segregated train travel. As a Dad of two young girls, I want to see a proper society-wide strategy on tackling violence against women.

"We need sufficiently funded police forces, especially the British Transport Police, and investment in practical measures like better lighting to ensure safety at all times."

Liz Kendall, who is lagging behind in the contest, said: "I don’t believe that gender segregation is the answer. That'd be an admission of defeat, rather than a sustainable solution."

Corbyn backer Diane Abbott, who hopes to become the party's candidate for London Mayor, tweeted that the left-wing veteran was "right to draw attention" to the rise in assaults on female travellers.

The issue was debated as it emerged that the leader of one of Britain's biggest trade unions had been barred from voting in the Labour leadership election.

Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union boss Mark Serwotka tried to vote for Mr Corbyn by email after paying £3 to sign up as a registered supporter, but he was informed that his vote was being blocked.

Labour would not be drawn on Mr Serwotka's case but said it was barring anyone who does not share its values and aims, amid concerns about "infiltrators" in the contest .

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