I welcome the news that the current Managed Approach will formally come to an end.

It’s a decision that draws on the views of local residents and on the Independent Review, and it recognises that the scheme has not operated in its previous form since the start of the pandemic.

The aim has always been to reduce the impact of sex work on local residents. So scrapping the permitted hours and defined area, cracking down on soliciting by men and making use of public space protection orders reflects what many have been calling for and will be widely supported. It’s also good to see that the dedicated police support, the use of CCTV, the cleansing arrangements and help for women to exit on-street sex work will be kept in place.

As everyone knows there has never been a simple solution to this problem, but this announcement represents a step forward.

Hilary Benn 

MP for Leeds Central