Under this Conservative Government the number of rape prosecutions and convictions have fallen to a record low and the Crown Court backlog is at a record high.
98.4% of rape cases recorded by the police last year ended without anyone being charged. The Government’s own report says victims of rape are being failed – victims are waiting longer for justice and criminals are getting away with it.
Even the Justice Secretary was forced to admit that it was “self-evidently” the case that Conservative cuts had harmed our justice system – and he admitted he was “deeply ashamed” of the government’s record.
This wasn’t inevitable – this is the result of a litany of delays, missed opportunities and a decade of Conservative cuts.
Despite these shameful figures the Government still aren’t showing the urgency needed to tackle the epidemic of violence against women and girls.
Labour has today called on the PM to take responsibility finally deliver the changes that are so overdue for victims across the country.
The government should urgently enact Labour’s proposals to fast-track rape and serious sexual assault cases through the police, Crown Prosecution Service and the courts; appoint a Minister for Survivors of Rape and Sexual Violence; and establish a full legal advocacy scheme for victims.
