Yvette Cooper responds to today’s crime stats showing record highs for reported rape and sexual offences

Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, commenting on today’s crime outcome figures showing record highs for reported rape and sexual offences, said:

"Today’s figures show that, of the nearly 200 people who report a rape to the police today, just three will see their case go to court. That is truly shameful. These figures have plummeted over the last seven years.

"Rape victims are being systematically let down by this government, with action against rapists totally failing to keep up with record levels of reporting.

"Labour has a plan to put a specialist rape unit in every police force in England and Wales, paired with specialist rape courts to fast-track cases through the system. Victims of these hideous crimes need and deserve the best possible support.”

Ends

Notes:

• Crime Survey in England and Wales, year ending September 2022 -https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/crimeinenglandandwales/yearendingseptember2022
  
  
• Police outcomes in England and Wales, year ending September 2022 -https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/crime-outcomes-in-england-and-wales-year-to-june-2022-data-tables