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One Resolution Passed

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Delegates at the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (the NFWI) AGM in Liverpool yesterday passed a resolution urging the Government to provide treatment and therapy for those with severe mental health problems in a more appropriate and secure residential environment than prison.

They, however, decided against the second resolution which called on the Government to urge the EU to ban bottom trawling which causes catastrophic loss of marine life.

The audience of over 4,500 members were presented with positions both for and against each resolution. Prior to the AGM, WIs across the country also held debates on both issues. The resolution on the inappropriate imprisonment of the severely mentally ill was passed by 97 per cent of delegates. The resolution on bottom trawling was voted against by 52 per cent of the delegates.

“We are pleased that the resolution on the inappropriate imprisonment of the severely mentally ill was passed by the delegates” says Fay Mansell, Chair of the NFWI. “The defeat of the resolution on the ban of bottom trawling illustrates the true democratic process of the WI. WI delegates heard very powerful arguments debated here today both for and against the resolution. They decided the arguments against the resolution were stronger.”

The organisation will start implementing the resolution on the inappropriate imprisonment of those with severe mental illness.

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For further information please contact Eoin Redahan at the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) Press Office on 020 7371 9300 ext. 209 or email e.redahan@nfwi.org.uk.

Notes to editors:
1. Previous successes of the WI include an improvement in the farm-gate prices dairy farmers received; the introduction of ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ and getting supermarkets to look at the amount of packaging they produce.
2. Some delegates come to the AGM already instructed by the WIs they represent on how they should vote, others are given discretion to decide at the meeting.