A Labour councillor who said the Government is wasting money tackling female genital mutilation because it is “yesterday’s” problem has been forced to apologise.
Somalian-born Rakhia Ismail, who underwent FGM herself, shocked campaigners by saying that the practice hardly happens any more.
Speaking to Keir Starmer, director of public prosecutions, at a charity event, she said: “If you talk to British girls they don’t even know what it is any more.”
Mr Starmer said his staff faced difficulties in bringing prosecutions because victims don’t come forward for fear family members will be jailed.
Efua Dorkenoo, from Equality Now, an organisation that campaigns against FGM, said Ms Ismail’s comments risk intimidating more girls from speaking out about the practice.
She said: “Communities tend to close in on issues about abuse.”
When contacted by the Standard, Ms Ismail, who represents Holloway in Islington, said: “I apologise for any offence. FGM is appalling and can never be excused.”
