Southall Black Sisters (SBS) have warned that government plans to tackle so-called “honour”-based abuse risk falling short, after ministers failed to include proposed legislation known as Banaz’s Law.
The measures, unveiled today (26 August 2025) as part of a broader pledge to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, were welcomed in principle. But SBS and survivor-advocate Bekhal Mahmod – whose sister Banaz was murdered in 2006 – said the omission of the law undermined the package of reforms.
Banaz’s Law, backed by more than 50 MPs, would ensure “honour”-based abuse is treated as an aggravating factor in sentencing, supported by statutory guidance shaped by survivors and grassroots groups. Campaigners argue it would stop agencies dismissing abuse in the name of “cultural sensitivity” and prevent “honour” being invoked as a defence in court.
Bekhal Mahmod, said: “I welcome that the Government is taking some measures to address honour based abuse (HBA). I am, however, concerned that Banaz’s Law is not included. I have campaigned for this law in the name of my beloved sister, Banaz, with Southall Black Sisters for five years.”
She added: “I am grateful for the support of Jess Phillips MP, who argued for this reform in Parliament when in opposition. Over 50 MPs and many organisations working on HBA support this reform. I hope that the new Government will now urgently take action to introduce Banaz’s Law so that my sister’s tragic death is not in vain.”
Campaigners also warned the reforms ignored systemic barriers faced by Black, minoritised and migrant women, many excluded from protection under the “no recourse to public funds” policy. SBS said that without immigration reform, sustained funding for specialist services, and meaningful consultation with survivors, government promises risk amounting to little more than rhetoric.
