London
The rector of a church in London’s Soho neighbourhood has expressed support for local sex workers who are fighting eviction by Westminster City Council, stating that the council should target those plying their trade on the streets rather than those using flats or houses.
Soho is one of the longest established red-light districts, yet Westminster Council continues to issue compulsory purchase orders, saying that prostitution is a blight on the neighbourhood. Rev. Clare Herbert said that established houses “prove no difficulty with us and indeed we are sure women are safer working there than when they are pushed out on to the street.” One local woman said “women look out for one another here. We are proud of the fact that no woman has ever been killed in a Soho flat.” Three women have been murdered in recent years after being forced out of Soho apartments by Westminster Council.