The debate over how sex work should be regulated in the UK is intensifying, with sharp divisions between those calling for full decriminalisation and others who argue for criminalising the purchase of sexual services.
Audrey, a sex worker who has worked in a Bristol brothel for the past year, rejects proposals that focus on penalising buyers. She argues that such measures would push the industry further underground, increasing risks for those who sell sex. Audrey supports the decriminalisation of both buying and selling sexual services, saying it would allow workers to organise collectively and take steps to improve their own safety. As an example, she cited a colleague who asked whether Audrey would accompany her to appointments, a form of peer support that is currently constrained by the law.
Former Labour MP for Bristol West, Baroness Thangam Debbonaire, agrees that the existing legal framework is inadequate but takes a different view on reform. She argues that legislation should aim to reduce harm for the greatest number of people and says current laws leave sex workers vulnerable both to unsafe conditions and to criminal penalties for the actions of others. While acknowledging that some individuals report working safely, she said her position is informed by testimony from women who have left prostitution and by research involving survivors who describe the industry as inherently unsafe, regardless of its legal status.
Baroness Debbonaire also warned that leaving the demand side largely unregulated perpetuates power imbalances, placing men in control of transactions. She stressed that differing experiences should be respected, but said policymakers must prioritise those who report harm and exploitation.
The discussion has gained urgency amid reports that more women are entering sex work, a trend that charities link in part to rising financial hardship and the ongoing cost of living crisis. Although the precise causes are difficult to quantify, support organisations across the country say economic pressures are driving women to enter or return to the industry.
Under current UK law, selling sex is legal, but activities such as public soliciting and running a brothel are criminal offences. Sex workers can face fines or cautions that remain on record for decades. Some campaigners, including former and current Labour MPs, are calling for these penalties to be removed while advocating for tougher action against those who purchase sexual services. This approach, often referred to as the “Nordic model,” has been adopted in countries including Sweden, Norway and Finland.
Charities working with sex workers report a sharp rise in demand for their services, with one organisation recording a 76% increase over the past two years. As the industry becomes more diverse and economic pressures mount, campaigners and lawmakers alike acknowledge that finding a single legislative solution remains complex and contentious.
