Bristol prostitutes website 'must be terminated'
Film star and Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger has been told to "terminate" a controversial website that allows men to recommend hundreds of prostitutes from across Bristol.
Harriet Harman, Labour's deputy leader, condemned the site – called 'PunterNet' – for encouraging men to buy sex, adding: "It is truly degrading and puts women at risk."
The site advertises hundreds of prostitutes from Bristol and lists tens of thousands from across Britain – inviting men to describe their experience and whether they would recommend a prostitute to other 'punters'.
But, Ms Harman, told the Brighton conference, the website was based in California – which meant the British government had no power to shut it down.
She told delegates: "You know Trip Advisor – a website where guests put their comments online for others to see.
"There is now a website, like that, where pimps put women on sale for sex and then men who've had sex with them put their comments on line. It is 'PunterNet' and fuels the demand for prostitutes. It is truly degrading and puts women at risk.
"I've called on California's governor Arnie Schwarzenegger to close it down. Surely it can't be too difficult for the Terminator to terminate PunterNet and that's what I am demanding that he does?"
The site links to the websites of prostitutes – including, in Bristol, 'escortinbristol' 'southwestescort' and 'sophiaofbristol' – also listing mobile phone numbers.
Men can then call up "field reports", with one of the more tame reviews reading: "After reading previous reviews I was keen to meet Virginia. She didn't disappoint ...... had a great time."
Ms Harman's condemnation of the website follows the government's plans to make it a criminal offence to buy sex from a prostitute controlled by a pimp, or from trafficked women – a growing problem.
The new offence will carry a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record, which could prevent those caught from getting work in sensitive jobs.
Ms Harman said: "We know that prostitution is not work. It's exploitation of women by men – often women who have mental health problems, or drug or alcohol addiction."
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by Xavier, Bristol
Friday, October 02 2009, 7:53AM
“Chris, you are only successful at being a moron, for which I congratulate you.
Labour is responsible for prostitution now!? Idiot.
Labour brought the great country to its knees? Well no, the nazis of Germany did that. I do believe everyone said the last tory government brought the country to its knees as well..
Anyway, back to topic. Yep, this site has been around for donkeys and is not about bristol. Shall we have a facebook story next? Surprised there hasnt been a story about the primark website!?”
by geoff, clifton
Friday, October 02 2009, 12:01AM
“be hard to stop the oldest profession.they will find another way if you close it down”
by Troy, Hong Kong SAR, China
Thursday, October 01 2009, 4:01PM
“We have nice girls here, who 'love you long time'.”
by Thinking, On the toilet
Thursday, October 01 2009, 3:50PM
“If you want change, if you really wnat any change whatsoever, then the only thing you can do is vote BNP. They probably won't get in, but it will send one BIG message to the old parties, that they might even get so scared of losing power that they change some of their policies, like immigration, to fit in with WHAT THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY ACTUALLY WANT!”
by Bloke, Down the pub
Thursday, October 01 2009, 3:46PM
“...and while I'm at it; sort illegal immigration and you sort people trafficking and the surge in prostitution you ridiculous, useless, pathetic. New Liebour, idiot!!!”