Female genital mutilation : the case for a national action plan, second report of session 2014-15, report, together with formal minutes relating to the report

The Committee recommends the immediate implementation of a national action plan and specific steps to respond to the growing FGM crisis.

A number of successful prosecutions would send a clear message to those involved that FGM is taken with the utmost seriousness in the UK and will be punished accordingly.

There should be an extension to the right to anonymity to include victims of FGM to aid prosecution.

The good example of France should be emulated and there is a case for a system that empowers medical professionals to make periodic FGM assessments where a girl is identified as being at high risk.

The Multi-Agency Guidelines on FGM should also be placed on a statutory footing to provide a stronger incentive for the provision of training on FGM to all those who need it. The Committee's further recommendations include: the inclusion of mandatory questioning on FGM for antenatal booking interviews and at GP registration, and changes to the Personal Child Health Record/Red Book to refer explicitly to FGM; a requirement for all schools to provide training on FGM and Headteachers to read guidance or face funding penalties; the introduction of FGM protection orders similar to those which exist for forced marriage.

In 12 months' time, if reporting does not increase, a failure to report should be made a criminal offence.

Better services for women and girls affected by FGM including refuge shelters for those at risk also need to be provided