I THINK Sir James Munby, the most senior family court judge in England and Wales, should be congratulated for his comments about the “great evil” of female genital mutilation.

He has urged local authorities to be pro-active and vigilant in taking measures to prevent girls being subjected to this barbaric practice and he is quite right too.

He is also correct in pointing out that the courts alone cannot eradicate it. It stems from the culture in some parts of Africa and the Middle East and has nothing to do with faith.

Education that this is unacceptable behaviour in today’s society is the key and potential victims must be encouraged and supported to ask for help and protection. It should not be happening anywhere in the world and must be eradicated.

Amjad Bashir

Ukip Communities spokesman and MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Wellington Place, Leeds