Lily Allan has been key in getting Parliament to take crimes motivated by hostility towards sex more seriously and formally recognise that motive. 

The Wellbeing and Communities Officer at Newcastle University Students’ Union gained widespread support for efforts to reshape how misogyny is addressed nationally, campaigning to ensure it is no longer excluded from legal recognition. 

With more than 100,000 signatures secured, Lily now awaits a parliamentary debate in which the petition’s core calls - early intervention and the recognition of misogyny as a hate crime - will be considered.

From petition to Parliament

Parliament ordered an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill to extend aggravated offences within the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to include sex as a protected characteristic.

Lily is now heading to the House of Commons to contribute to discussions on perpetrators of sexual violence and to mark the achievements of this work so far.

She said: “Tackling violence against women and girls is an issue I care deeply about, and I’m truly honoured to be heading to the House of Commons to discuss it.

“While my time as Wellbeing and Communities Officer at Newcastle University comes to an end, my commitment to building safer communities, and to advocate for a justice system that genuinely reflects and serves the needs and interests of those it is meant to protect, remains stronger than ever.

“If this is anything to go off, I hope it acts as a reminder that when you dare to believe change is possible, extraordinary things can happen.” 

The impact of Lily’s change has already been felt, with the strengthened legislation contributing to an early conviction, underlining the importance of the reform. 

Championing change on every level

Alongside her work engaging Downing Street and Parliament, Lily has continued to lead action within her student role, ensuring national change is grounded in local impact. 

Throughout her year in office, she has championed initiatives focused on tackling violence against women and girls, while also maintaining the day-to-day responsibilities of a Sabbatical Officer. 

In recognition of her achievements, Lily was awarded Newcastle University Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Award. 

The award recognises individuals whose work goes beyond expectations and creates lasting impact, both within the university community and beyond. 

Lindsey Lockey, Newcastle University Students’ Union Chief Executive, said: “There is nobody that goes above and beyond in the same way that Lily does and she is more than deserving of recognition for the invaluable contribution she has made to our university community this year.  

“It is rare to see such a difference that will exist not just for our students, but for women and girls across the UK.”