Joan Humble, MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, today joined a campaign in the House of Commons to increase the number of women being elected to Parliament and other democratic bodies.

Mrs Humble said:

"2008 is the 90th anniversary of women’s suffrage achieved in the Representation of the People Act 1918, and the 80th anniversary of women receiving the same voting rights as men. There are currently 128 women Members of Parliament which is still only 1 in 5 of the total.

I hope that in this special year more women will realise the importance of their vote and also the contribution that they can make in political debate to improve the lives of not just other women but our whole community.

I am pleased that the Prime Minister has today recognised the importance of this anniversary and has suggested a statue be erected in Parliament Square. This could be a symbol for all women."