The MP for Hitchin has introduced a new law aimed at making Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) compulsory for all young people up to the age of 18.

Alistair Strathern yesterday presented a Private Member's Bill in Parliament which would require all students in further education settings to receive RSE, closing what he describes as a "postcode lottery" in provision for 16 to 18-year-olds.

The proposal comes as the Government has pledged to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, with campaigners arguing that better education about healthy relationships is a key part of prevention.

A former teacher and co-chair of the Labour Group for Men and Boys in Westminster, Strathern has previously called for schools to play a greater role in tackling violence against women and girls through improved education and increased numbers of positive male role models in teaching.

Under current rules, Relationships and Sex Education is compulsory in schools up to the age of 16, but further education colleges are not required to provide it. Campaigners say this leaves many young people without support at a time when they are most likely to be entering their first serious relationships.

Government figures show that 16 to 19-year-olds experience the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group.

Supporters of the bill also point to growing concerns about online content. Research from the Children's Commissioner found that 79 per cent of young people had accessed violent pornography by the age of 18.

Strathern recently met with Ofcom chief executive Melanie Dawes to discuss online safety issues, including the spread of harmful attitudes towards sex and relationships and the sharing of non-consensual images.

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If approved by Parliament, the legislation would make RSE mandatory in all post-16 education settings, ensuring students continue to receive lessons on healthy relationships, consent, coercive control and recognising abusive behaviour.

The bill has been welcomed by a number of organisations including the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), Make It Mandatory, the Sex Education Forum and Brook.

Speaking after introducing the bill, Strathern said: "For too long, children in further education have missed out because of gaps in provision of Relationships and Sex Education.

"At a time when the worst corners of the internet are preying on teenagers, with their own harmful takes on what makes a healthy relationship, we surely owe young people far better than this.

"My Bill will put this right and make it mandatory for all settings to give children the space, support and advice they need as they navigate this formative stage."

The legislation follows a campaign by survivor-led group Make It Mandatory, whose petition calling for RSE to be extended to age 18 attracted more than 106,000 signatures.

Private Member's Bills rarely become law without Government backing, but supporters hope the proposal will help maintain pressure on ministers to extend compulsory RSE provision to all students in further education.