Exclusive:International Women's Day: Yvette Cooper pays tribute to first Reclaim the Night marches and says 'too little has changed'

In Leeds, in Chapeltown and Woodhouse dozens of protesters marched with signs saying: “No Curfew on Women – Curfew on Men.”

Since then, Reclaim the Night marches have continued across the country to call for more focus on women’s safety.

On International Women’s Day, the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, paid tribute to those original marchers in Leeds, but said it is “shameful” that too little has changed.

She told The Yorkshire Post: “Nearly 50 years ago, women took to the streets of Leeds in the first Reclaim the Night march demanding the fundamental right to walk safely without fear.

“Yet despite all the changes in our communities since then, it is shameful that on women’s safety far too little has changed.

“That’s why the Government has set a landmark mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade - and why we are working with incredible campaigners who know the terrible damage these crimes can cause.”

Ms Cooper, the Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley MP, explained that the Government is bringing in Raneem’s Law, in memory of Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem, who were murdered by Raneem’s ex-husband in August 2018.

She said: “Raneem called the police four times on the night she and her mother Khaola were murdered by her ex-partner but no one came.

“That’s why we have been working with Nour Norris, Raneem’s aunt, to put domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms, to ensure there is the right response when it is needed.

“And we have worked with Nicola Thorp to introduce 'Nicola's Law' to make sure the police can tell victims of online stalking the identity of the perpetrator who is pursuing them online.”

Ms Cooper paid tribute to her Home Office colleague, the Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, who “for the first time from the Government frontbench where this heavy task belongs … read the names of women suspected to have been killed by men in the last 12 months”.

“For each and every one of the names on that list, we will redouble our efforts to end violence against women and girls,” she added.

“We will remember the demands made at that first Reclaim the Night march and every campaigner who has fought for change since.

“This is a mission for the whole government, because every woman deserves to feel safe on the streets and in their homes.”