Derbyshire MP uses maiden speech to 'speak up' for women who suffer abuse
Labour's Natalie Fleet tells the Commons: "I can't find you, but you can find me."
Last updated 29th Oct 2024
A new MP has vowed to speak up for women who suffer abuse, telling the Commons: "I can't find you, but you can find me."
Labour's Natalie Fleet, making her maiden speech, said she has a "duty" to speak about the women in her Bolsover constituency whose stories are not being told.
This included an appeal for women who have been raped to come forward and seek her help.
Ms Fleet earlier this year discussed how she became pregnant at the age of 15 after being "groomed" by an older man, telling GB News: "I didn't know we were having unprotected sex. I was a child and this is statutory rape."
Mother-of-four Ms Fleet told the House of Commons on Tuesday: "The reason I am here, the reason I leave my family every week to do this is because I feel so deeply about the difference that politics can make.
"Things have been better before and they will be again, and that change has begun. I am here to make sure that this powerful state has the most positive impact on lives in Bolsover."
Ms Fleet added: "Being the first woman to stand in this post is a huge privilege but it comes with a greater responsibility.
"It is my duty to speak about the women in my constituency whose stories are not being told, even when it's difficult and even when I wish it's stories that they didn't have.
"Like those raped and having to wait years for trial, attempting suicide as they fear that nobody will believe them.
"I have a moral obligation to speak on behalf of the women hurt in the worst possible way and then told it's their own fault.
"So to the women in my constituency that I represent that will be raped today and will be raped tomorrow and will be raped every day of this Parliament: I don't know where you are, I can't find you, but you can find me.
"I will believe you, I will support you and I will fight to make sure that we can all tell our truth, backed by a Government that will make it easier for us to get justice, determined to make sure that our daughters grow up safer."