MP,
Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, responding to the
Prime Minister's apology to rape victims for record-low
conviction and prosecution rates for rape, said:
"The Prime Minister is right to apologise to rape victims given
Conservative cuts have led to record-low prosecution and
conviction rates for rape.
"However, this apology is hollow the day after the Prime Minister
instructed his MPs to vote against a new minimum sentence for
rape, against making it easier for rape victims to give evidence
and against criminalising street sexual harassment.
"Rape victims don't need crocodile tears, they need action. Under
the Conservatives, criminals have never had it so good."
Ends
Notes to editors:
- In Prime Minister's Questions, responding to , said: "And of course to all the victims of rape and
sexual violence, all the victims and survivors, of course I say
sorry for the trauma that they have been through, the
frustration that they go through because of the inadequacies of
the criminal justice system."
- On Tuesday, the Conservatives voted against
several of Labour’s proposals outlined in its End Violence
Against Women and Girls Green Paper:
o The full roll out of Section 28, which will allow the
cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses to be recorded rather
than undertaken in court for victims of sexual offences. (This
contrasts with the government’s decision to re-pilot the measure,
even though it has already been piloted twice already).
o Increasing sentences for rape, stalking and domestic murder.
o Backing the Law Commission’s proposals to make misogyny a hate
crime
o Creating a new offence for street sexual harassment
Labour has set out a raft of proposals to tackle the record low
conviction rates for rape in its Ending Violence Against Women
and Girls Green Paper. https://labour.org.uk/ending-violence-against-women-and-girls/
Labour’s Survivors' Support Plan rape shadow rape review
recommendations includes:
- Fast-tracking rape and serious sexual assault cases through
the police, Crown Prosecution Service and the courts
- Appointing a Minister for Survivors of Rape and Sexual
Violence to investigate and tackle the root causes of delays in
the system, and act as a champion for victims
- Establishing a pre and post-trial survivor’s support package,
including a full legal advocacy scheme for victims and better
training for professionals around myths and stereotypes
