Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Crown Prosecution Service: Performance in North-west England

Thursday 20 October 2022 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Crown Prosecution Service north-west has consistently achieved a conviction rate higher than the national average at 84.4%.
  • The number of rape prosecutions in the north-west has seen a 62.9% increase since the CPS published its strategy on rape and serious sexual offences in 2020.
  • Sara Britcliffe expressed interest in the continued roll-out of Operation Soteria, a specific measure to support victims.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sara Britcliffe
Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from the need to evaluate recent performance metrics of the CPS in the region.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the performance of the Crown Prosecution Service in the north-west?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

My hon. Friend will be pleased to hear that the Crown Prosecution Service north-west has consistently achieved a conviction rate that is higher than the national average. The area conviction rate was 84.4%, which is two percentage points higher than the national rate.

Answered
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Q2 Sara Britcliffe
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

Since the CPS published its strategy on rape and serious sexual offences in 2020, there has been a significant increase in rape prosecutions. The questioner seeks updates on the specialist trauma training trial.

Question

It is encouraging that since the CPS published its strategy on rape and serious sexual offences in 2020, the number of rape prosecutions has risen dramatically, with a 62.9% increase recorded. I know, however, that several of my constituents in Hyndburn and Haslingden are keen to see the specialist trauma training for all court staff, police and prosecutors that is being trialled. With such great interest in that scheme, will the Minister please update me on its findings?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for highlighting the importance of this issue, and more broadly for her support for victims not only in her area, but across the north-west and the country. She should look out for two further specific measures: first, Operation Soteria and its continued roll-out across the country; and secondly the victims Bill. I look forward to working with my hon. Friend on both.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The findings of the specialist trauma training trial were not addressed specifically.

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