Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rape Prosecution Rates

Thursday 7 July 2022 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial efforts aim to increase prosecution rates and improve performance for victims in rape cases.
  • CPS North West is part of Operation Soteria, focusing on investigating suspects rather than victims.
  • Attorney General responded to inquiries about legal handling of specific cases and interjurisdictional judicial decisions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Flick Drummond Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from concerns over low rape conviction rates and the need for increased prosecutions.

Question

I am concerned about the steps being taken to increase prosecution rates for rape. The number of convictions is up by 27% on the number in 2019, but there are still significant challenges in improving performance for victims.

Answer from Suella Braverman

We are united in our combined efforts, across Government, to improve performance for victims and increase the number of successful rape cases that go through our courts. Since we published our rape review action plan, there has been a steady increase in the number of rape charges, prosecutions and convictions quarter on quarter. We are closing the gap between complaints and convictions.

Answered
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Q2 Scott Benton
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The issue stems from the funding of various projects to reduce rape and serious sexual offences in Lancashire.

Question

How is CPS North West working alongside our Police and Crime Commissioner, Andrew Snowden, to improve rates of conviction for these crimes? The number of convictions has increased by 29% compared with the last quarter pre-covid.

Answer from Suella Braverman

I am pleased to report that CPS North West is in an Operation Soteria area. This programme of work, introduced recently under this Government, aims to transform the way rape prosecutions are handled by focusing on investigating suspects rather than victims.

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Q3 Flick Drummond Con
Women & Equalities
Context

A constituent's sperm was used without his consent by an ex-partner to become pregnant.

Question

My constituent's sperm was used without his consent, resulting in a pregnancy. The case passed to the CPS, which said there is no law allowing it to deal with this as sexual assault. Will my right hon. and learned Friend look at the law?

Answer from Suella Braverman

My thoughts are very much with my hon. Friend's constituent. That sounds like a very traumatic affair. I know that she has already received a reply from my Department setting out the reasons why the CPS could not proceed with this particular case.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific review of law was not addressed, only acknowledgment of previous response

How: Under Review

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Q4 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

A Supreme Court decision reversed Roe v. Wade, affecting a minor's right to abortion.

Question

Since the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade, a 10-year-old girl in Ohio who is pregnant as a result of rape has been forced to travel for an abortion due to local restrictions. Will the Attorney General condemn this decision and Conservative MPs' celebrations?

Answer from Suella Braverman

I do not think it is the right of a UK Government Minister to comment on a judicial decision in another jurisdiction such as the United States. What I am focused on is the experience of victims in Britain and Wales and how we can improve our criminal justice system.

Not addressed: Specific condemnation of ruling and MPs' support was avoided, shifted to UK-focused issues instead

How: Change Of Subject

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Q5 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Justice & Courts
Context

There are significant delays between offences and completion in rape cases, affecting multiple Crown courts.

Question

The delay between offence and completion is now more than 1,000 days. Is the Attorney-General proud of these achievements when there are delays in rape cases? Will she look at pre-recorded evidence and cross-examination for all rape cases?

Answer from Suella Braverman

Actually, what we are seeing is a closer collaboration between police and prosecutor. Close collaboration, early investigative advice and support for the victim is what will cut down timelines and ensure swifter justice.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions to reduce delays were not provided, only general principles mentioned

How: Working

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Q6 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Crime & Law Enforcement Democracy & Elections
Context

The Attorney General did not call for the Prime Minister's resignation when he was aware of an allegation against a minister.

Question

The last time we debated this issue, the Attorney-General stated that any allegation of domestic abuse or sexual assault is horrendous and unacceptable. Why didn't she call for the PM's resignation over an alleged sexual assault by a minister?

Answer from Suella Braverman

The hon. Gentleman could have asked about domestic abuse victims; he could have asked about RASSO; he could have asked about crime prevention and keeping the British people safe.

Not addressed: Specific resignation call was avoided, shifted to unrelated issues instead

How: Change Of Subject

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