Premier League clubs sign pledge on women's safety

Chelsea is the latest club to sign the charter

Every Premier League club in London has signed a charter to make their venues safer for women at night, the city's mayor has said.

The seven clubs have joined more than 2,000 organisations and venues across the capital which are signed up to Sadiq Khan's Women's Night Safety Charter.

Arsenal, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Chelsea, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are now all committed to making their venues safer, more welcoming, and to help tackle violence against women and girls.

The mayor is encouraging other football, rugby and sports bodies to follow the lead of these top tier clubs.

Tesco and Boots also signed the charter on Thursday.

City Hall said the charter was part of Mr Khan's strategy to make women and girls be and feel safe wherever and whenever they are in the capital.

The charter aims to improve women's safety at night

Funding from the mayor will provide support, training and resources to signatories to help them meet the seven pledges of the charter which include:

• Encouraging organisations operating at night to designate a women's safety champion

• Running awareness campaigns

• Promoting harassment reporting and training staff so they can record and respond to complaints appropriately

• Designing safer public spaces and work places (such as offices, warehouses)

• Reminding customers and staff that London is safe, but tell them what to do if they experience harassment when working, going out or travelling.

Mr Khan said he was "thrilled" that the clubs had signed up, describing it as a "major milestone".

"They are setting a brilliant example for their fans and staff that misogyny and violence against women and girls won't be tolerated," he said.

"We all have a role to play in making London safer and more welcoming for women and girls, and this includes our world-class stadiums and entertainment venues."

London's night czar Amy Lamé said: "Whilst we still have work to do, I hope they inspire other businesses from a range of sectors to sign up and help women and girls feel safe in our city at night."

Barbara Charone, who is on the board of directors for both Chelsea FC and its foundation, said: "Chelsea FC is proud to play an important role in our community.

"The signing of the Women's Night Safety Charter is another way we can ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everybody."