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End-to-end Rape Review
21 June 2021
Lead MP
Robert Buckland
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Crime & Law Enforcement
Other Contributors: 23
At a Glance
Robert Buckland raised concerns about end-to-end rape review in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Robert Buckland made a statement on the Government's end-to-end rape review report, emphasising the need to reverse the decline in police referrals, charges, prosecutions and convictions for rape cases. He praised victims' bravery and highlighted that the action plan would improve support for victims at every stage of the criminal justice process. The plan includes building confidence in joint working between police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), introducing minimum standards for communication with Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs), increasing funding, and piloting new measures to ensure better treatment of victims in court. Buckland acknowledged that more needs to be done but assured the House of ongoing efforts and willingness to make fundamental changes if necessary.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Question
Bryant inquired about delays in court cases due to funding cuts and their impact on victims' decision to pursue justice. He asked what measures the Government would take to address these delays.
Minister reply
The Minister responded by emphasising the need for joint working between police and CPS, introducing guidance and training around trauma awareness, piloting new measures like pre-recorded evidence for intimidated witnesses, and considering further legislative changes based on evaluations.
Nick de Bois
Con
Enfield North
Question
De Bois inquired about the Government’s plans to increase resources and personnel within police forces dealing with rape cases. He questioned whether current funding would be sufficient.
Minister reply
The Minister noted that the Government was committed to improving the way cases are handled through initiatives like Operation Soteria, increasing capacity for ISVA services, and consulting on statutory underpinning of ISVAs' roles in support of victims.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Last week, the Secretary of State took the bold step of saying that he was “sorry” and “deeply ashamed” for how he and his Government had failed rape victims. Despite admitting funding cuts contributed to low conviction rates, the review does not propose substantial new funding or long-term commitments. Does the Secretary of State take responsibility for this situation, or will he retract his apology?
Minister reply
The Lord Chancellor acknowledges taking political responsibility for the failure and apologises without qualification. However, he emphasises that resources are a matter for the Government, acknowledging reductions made since 2010. He also notes that culture is crucial in addressing rape prosecutions beyond just resource issues.
Bob Neill
Con
Question
Does the Lord Chancellor agree with the significant discrepancy between reported rapes and cases reaching the Crown Prosecution Service? Can we understand better what happens to the 50,000 cases that do not reach this stage?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees on the importance of understanding why many cases never make it to the CPS. He highlights concerns about early investigative processes where victims face difficult choices regarding evidence disclosure and proposes investing in ISVAs and consulting further on victim support at initial stages.
Harriet Harman
Lab
Wandsworth, Central
Question
Welcomed the Justice Secretary's acknowledgement of the justice system's failure to protect women and girls from rape. Raised concerns about victims being put on trial through inappropriate cross-examination focusing on their sexual history rather than that of defendants. Asked for support in addressing this issue by backing new clauses proposed in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
Minister reply
Acknowledged Harman's work and regular dialogue on these issues. Emphasised the importance of existing protections being properly used to restrict inappropriate cross-examination and highlighted ongoing efforts to address rape myths through judicial review by the Law Commission.
Sara Britcliffe
Con
Stockport
Question
Emphasised the need for a focus on offender behaviour rather than victim credibility. Welcomed steps taken towards pre-recording video evidence but asked about extending this to all courts.
Minister reply
Acknowledged efforts already made and plans to pilot more use of pre-recorded cross-examination technology with intimidated witnesses, indicating willingness to legislate if necessary to accommodate these hearings.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Question
Stressed the need for improvements in charging and prosecution of rape cases to put perpetrators in prison and get justice for survivors. Highlighted the necessity of a cultural change across society, including making misogyny a hate crime and better age-appropriate relationships and sex education.
Minister reply
Agreed on the importance of reducing victims through prevention efforts, acknowledging work done to expand sex education curriculum and referring to ongoing work in developing the violence against women and girls strategy.
David Davis
Con
Goole and Pocklington
Question
Cited a case where rape victims felt disbelieved or judged by police, leading them not to pursue cases further. Stressed that unless senior management of police forces show willingness to change based on these cases, new management might be needed.
Minister reply
Recognised the issues highlighted and emphasised the need for an approach focusing on perpetrators rather than victims' credibility.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
Highlighted prevalence of rape myths and lack of understanding of consent as barriers to justice. Asked for a strategy providing training for the investigation, judiciary, and jury members on such complaints.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of addressing trial process issues but stressed the need to focus early support for victims. Confirmed work by Law Commission to review rape myth issue and improve existing provisions.
Simon Fell
Con
Pudsey
Question
Pointed out that many rape cases involve perpetrators known to victims, making investigations hard and intrusive for them. Welcomed ISVA announcement but asked about measures to increase their numbers and capacity.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of early support for victims through ISVAs and announced funding for an additional 700 ISVAs with plans for a statutory framework ensuring consistent approach across England and Wales.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Question
Asked about the assessment of specialist police officers and prosecutors working on rape cases compared to five years ago. Noted previous warnings about drop in rape arrests and hollowing out of specialist teams.
Minister reply
Acknowledged issues with arrest numbers but noted improvements through RASSO units and work on disclosure to improve case handling. Emphasised the need for a change in culture at investigation stages.
Alberto Costa
Con
South Leicestershire
Question
Following the John Worboys outrage, the Secretary of State was given the authority to request that the Parole Board reconsider certain decisions. Will he confirm that he will refer the decision to release Colin Pitchfork back to the Parole Board?
Minister reply
The Minister is looking at the decision carefully and will make an announcement within 21 days.
Question
Why are only nine out of 70 Crown courts going to roll out the pilot immediately, considering that during the two years it took to publish the review, there were 100,000 reported rapes?
Minister reply
The decision to publish was made after a judicial review. The Minister is working closely with the judiciary and aims to push for a full roll-out of section 28 as quickly as possible.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Question
Will the Justice Secretary link the work on disclosure with the roll-out of section 28, and will he look carefully at judicial directions given to juries?
Minister reply
The Minister is working closely with the Attorney General and has pledged to return victims’ phones within 24 hours. He has also asked the Law Commission to review issues surrounding the trial process.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Will funding be available for greater training of police officers at the first port of call for rape victims, and is there a plan to provide additional funding for highly trained support-giving officers in every shift across the UK?
Minister reply
The Minister aims for consistency in training and plans to introduce external scrutiny to ensure cases are not dropped prematurely.
Question
How will the Lord Chancellor hold the system accountable for actions committed by his Government, to ensure that barriers preventing victims from coming forward are broken down?
Minister reply
The Minister is developing scorecards and data metrics to measure progress. He also supports new guidance on pre-trial therapy to provide better support for victims.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Question
What measures has the Secretary of State taken to ensure sustainable funding for mental wellbeing and support for rape survivors at every point in their journey towards justice?
Minister reply
The Minister has announced increased funding for ISVAs and intends to create a national statutory framework. He aims to secure further funding increases through the next spending review.
Question
What steps is the Secretary of State taking to improve collaboration between the police and CPS so that victims receive full support?
Minister reply
The Minister emphasises joint working between agencies and plans to enshrine clear victim rights in legislation.
Peter Kyle
Lab
Hove and Portslade
Question
The review quotes victims as reporting that the withdrawal of services has played a crucial part in their failure to secure a prosecution. He has said in the media that the lack of investment and cuts have contributed to the fall in prosecutions, so if disinvestment is part of the problem, why has he presented a plan to Parliament that includes almost no reinvestment?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges past financial pressures but emphasises the need for a new approach rather than reverting to previous levels. He commits to continued advocacy and funding for improved services.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Why not consider replacing the confrontational court system with something more like family courts, where anonymity is provided for both victims and perpetrators?
Minister reply
While acknowledging the suggestion's merit, the Minister emphasises that criminal allegations require a high standard of proof. He commits to improving the current system through measures such as remote technology and early evidence handling.
Question
Does the Lord Chancellor agree it is imperative for accurate data recording regarding the sex of those charged with rape or attempted rape?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees there is much to learn from Scotland and emphasises that the definition of rape should indicate the perpetrator's gender. He commits to further discussions on this matter.
Question
What measures are being taken to ensure phones are not separated from victims for more than 24 hours and what is the timeline?
Minister reply
The Minister commits to hosting a tech summit this year to improve data analysis speed and quality, including a swap-around service if phones cannot be returned.
Shadow Comment
David Lammy
Shadow Comment
David Lammy criticised the Government for failing rape victims, noting a significant drop in prosecution and conviction rates despite an increase in recorded rapes. He argued that funding cuts since 2010 contributed to this crisis and questioned the adequacy of proposed measures and new funding announced in the review. Lammy demanded immediate action rather than waiting until the end of the Parliament to meet targets, challenging Buckland's responsibility for these failures and calling for concrete steps to reverse them.
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