Violent and Sexual Offences Processing Times 2023-02-21
2023-02-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the delays in processing cases involving violent and sexual offences, impacting justice delivery for victims.
What steps his Department is taking to improve processing times for cases involving violent and sexual offences. The question highlights the need for swifter justice and recognises ongoing efforts but seeks specific actions being taken by the department.
It remains our priority to deliver swifter justice for victims. We are increasing court capacity by removing the limit on sitting days in the Crown court, recruiting up to 1,000 more judges across all jurisdictions in 2022-23, tackling the Criminal Bar Association strike that added to delays, and implementing a £1.3 billion court reform programme.
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Assessment & feedback
The response does not directly address specific steps for improving processing times specifically for violent and sexual offences cases.
We Are Increasing Court Capacity By Removing The Limit On Sitting Days In The Crown Court For The Second Financial Year In A Row.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about low charging rates and inadequate sentences for rape cases, advocating for minimum seven-year sentences for convicted rapists.
Under this Government, just 1.5% of recorded rapes result in a charge. When charges are made, sentences are often woefully inadequate. That is why Labour has proposed minimum seven-year sentences for rapists. Why do the Government not support that?
Reports to the police are up, referrals by the police to the CPS are up, and charges and Crown court receipts for such crimes are up. The Government will take no lessons from Labour about being tough on sentencing; that party voted against measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 to give judges the power to increase sentences.
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Assessment & feedback
The response does not address the specific proposal for minimum seven-year sentences.
We Will Take No Lessons From Labour About Being Tough On Sentencing
Response accuracy