The Men's Political Union for Women's Enfranchisement

Men who wished to support The Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) but were unable to join due to their sex established The Men's Political Union for Women's Enfranchisement (MPU) in 1910. The MPU sometimes undertook militant actions themselves and has been described as "one of the most militant men’s support groups" of the women's suffrage movement. Regardless of their other personal political views, the MPU welcomed members who shared its core value: for women to obtain the same right to vote as men. ==Activities==

As the militant struggle for women' rights to vote became more violent, WSPU members became more likely to suffer assault and arrest. The MPU acted as an unofficial bodyguard during WSPU campaigning to try and protect them from bodily harm, putting MPU members at serious risk of injury and imprisonment. The MPU and the Men's League for Women's Suffrage held a joint meeting in Hyde Park on 17 July 1910, to support the Conciliation Bill. In 1913, it was argued in the House of Commons in the British Parliament that MPU meetings were becoming so large that they were having to be broken up by the police. In 1914, the MPU organised a 'Suffrage Speakers Defence Core' to safeguard WSPU speakers from public assaults and police arrest. ==Notable members==

• Victor Duval, Hon. Organising Secretary and founder • Henry Nevinson (Chairman 1911–?) • Hugh Franklin, MP (Hon. Assistant Organiser 1910) • Frank Rutter (Hon. Treasurer 1910–1911) • Henry Devenish Harben (Hon. Treasurer 1912–?) • H. J. Gillespie (Hon. Literature Secretary 1912–?) == See also ==