Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas has announced his backing for a campaign seeking to end violence against women.

The Labour MP is supporting the the One Billion Rising Campaign, a worldwide campaign which saw activities take place in 160 countries yesterday.

Speaking about the campaign Mr Thomas said: “One in three women will be beaten or raped in her lifetime, 750,000 children witness acts of domestic abuse a year and a third of girls in relationships aged 13 to 17 have experienced physical or sexual violence in relationships.

“So I am proud to be backing One Billion Rising; supporting the call to make a zero tolerance approach to violence in relationships part of the school curriculum.

“Keeping our young people safe is important and teaching both boys and girls about positive relationships and respect in schools is key to this.”

The One Billion Rising campaign was initiated by the playwright and activist Eve Ensler.