A YORKSHIRE MEP has welcomed moves to stop female genital mutilation and childhood forced marriage.

UKIP’s communities spokesman Amjad Bashir was elected an MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber this May. He has spoken in support of a £1.4 million prevention programme unveiled by the Prime Minister.

He said: “This barbaric practice has been illegal in this country since 1985 but it is only this year that there have been prosecutions. It is very much a hidden situation but it is a terrible violation of female rights. Here in this country we must do as much as we can to change attitudes and help lead the way forward.”