13-year-old's standing ovation at Lib Dem conference

A 13-YEAR-OLD girl from Dawlish received a standing ovation after she gave a powerful speech to delegates at this year’s Liberal Democrat conference.

Kitty Dawson took to the conference stage in Brighton to call for action on violence against women and girls.

Her clearly delivered speech lasted just a few minutes but packed a punch after which delegates in the venue were on their feet applauding.

Kitty, a student at Torquay Girls Grammar School, told the conference: ‘I am asking the Liberal Democrats to lead, real challenge and change has to be a collaboration between Westminster, girls and supportive organisations.

‘Misogynistic content is becoming an accepted part of what we young people see when we pick up our phones.

‘This should not be normalised.

‘Don’t wait for my generation to grow up and then tell you how bad it got.

‘When we report abuse online, make sure someone actually acts.

‘My generation’s girls are depending on you.’

The four-day conference also saw Kitty’s mum Rosie, a county, district and town councillor for Dawlish speaking about the need for health visitors and better provision for new mothers and babies.

Cllr Dawson, who is also chairman of Devon County Council, told delegates: ‘Families haven't become less vulnerable in the last 15 years whilst we have witnessed drastic cuts in health visitor service.

‘Their need for support hasn’t disappeared. But too much of that support has. So let’s rebuild it.

‘Let’s give parents that trusted professional relationship when they need it - and let’s really give every child the best start in life.’

After the conference, Cllr Dawson said how proud she was of her daughter.

She saiid: ‘She was keen to go to conference and when she saw the motion on Violence Against Women and Girls online she wanted to speak about people her age.’