Equalities minister Harriet Harman was in a fighting mood today as she demanded Arnold Schwarzenegger terminate PunterNet - a rate-a-strumpet website she described as "TripAdvisor for pimps".

PunterNet is designed to "to facilitate the exchange of information on prostitution in the UK", but is actually based in California. Harman told a "cheering" crowd at Labour's annual Brighton shindig that the site represented "the ultimate commodification of women", and thundered: “Surely it can’t be too difficult for the terminator to terminate PunterNet? If he doesn’t I’ve got a message for Arnie - I’ll be back!”

According to the Times, while giving forth during "an unapologetic defence of Labour plans to legislate for equality" between men and women, Harman said: “I am speaking to you this morning about something the Sun knows absolutely nothing about: equality.

“The nearest their political analysis gets to women's rights is Page 3's News in Briefs. We are all angry about the Sun this morning but I say to you: don't get bitter, get better.”

While Schwarzenegger is doubtless running to his panic room to escape the terrible wrath of Harman as we speak, Carrie Mitchell of the English Collective of Prostitutes dismissed the PunterNet termination plan. She said: "Once again, instead of prioritising dealing with rape and other violence, Harman is prioritising censorship and repression. It is women trying to support families in the recession who will be first to suffer." ®

Related stories

• PunterNet thanks Harriet for massive upswing (5 October 2009)
• Opinion Is Gordon Brown safe to work with vulnerable people? (11 August 2009)
• Ex-Sun chief to fight Davis in '42 days' by-election (13 June 2008)
• Harman hack horror has blog backing Boris (25 April 2008)