Istanbul Convention (Treaty Ratification) Bill

A bill to Require the United Kingdom to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention); and for connected purposes.

BE IT ENACTED by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Part I: Ratification of the Istanbul Convention on violence against women

1. It shall be the duty of Her Majesty’s Government to take all reasonable steps as soon as reasonably practicable to enable the United Kingdom to become compliant with the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, Treaty no. 210 (the “Istanbul Convention”)
2. Parliament gives approval for the treaty to be ratified inline with the Treaty Ratification Act 2015 and The Ponsonby Rule as set out in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010

Part 2: The timetable for ratification of the Istanbul Convention

1. The Secretary of State shall lay a report before each House of Parliament setting out—
   1. the steps required to be taken to enable the United Kingdom to ratify the Istanbul Convention; and
   2. the date by which the Secretary of State would expect the United Kingdom to be able to ratify the Convention.
2. The report at Part 2 (1) must be laid within four weeks of this Act receiving Royal Assent.
3. When Her Majesty’s Government has determined that the United Kingdom is compliant with the Istanbul Convention, it shall make a statement to each House of Parliament—
   1. of its determination, and
   2. the date by which the Convention will be ratified.

Part 4: Short title, commencement and extent

1. Istanbul Convention (Treaty Ratification) Act 2017.
2. The provisions of this Act come into force on the day on which this Act receives Royal Assent.
3. This Act extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

This bill was submitted by /u/demon4372 and sponsored by /u/thechattyshow, /u/ExplosiveHorse, /u/AlmightlyWibble and /u/ctrlaltlama.

Amendments should be sent to /u/thatthinginthecorner by 15:00 GMT on 8 February 2017.

Amendments should clearly indicate what is being amended (add, change or remove) and in Reddit format. Amendments not in this form will not be accepted.