Buying sex should be illegal, says Women's Minister Harman

Her remarks put her at odds with the Government, which is considering relaxing the law to protect vice girls.

At present, it is illegal to solicit sex, or to kerb-crawl, but not illegal to pay a woman for sex.

Women's Minister Miss Harman, an avowed feminist, said a ban is needed to stem the demand for sex workers which encourages human trafficking.

She said Britain should follow Sweden, where paying for sex was criminalised in 1999.

"My own personal view is that's what we need to do as a next step," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"Just because something has always gone on, it doesn't mean you just wring your hands and say there's nothing we can do about it."

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Prostitution: Ministers believe the trade and its links to sex trafficking need to be tackled

In Sweden, men who flout the law face a fine of 40 days' salary, or a six-month jail term.

Street prostitution has reduced by up to 80 per cent, officials say.

But the Government's recent prostitution strategy suggested that allowing more than one woman to work from a brothel could improve their safety.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, who is responsible for the issue, said a review would begin early next year with a visit by ministers to Sweden.