Sexual Offences: Criminal Proceedings
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to expedite cases involving sexual offences.
Answered by Catherine Atkinson
The Government inherited a justice system in crisis with a record and rising number of criminal cases waiting to be heard in the Crown Court. Victims are facing unacceptable delays and without action, the situation will continue to spiral, far beyond the point of recovery.
The reforms being brought forward through the recently introduced Courts and Tribunals Bill are designed to improve timeliness in the Crown Court and speed up justice for all victims, including victims of rape.
The uncapping of Crown Court sitting days in 2026/27 will mean more rape and other sexual offence cases can be heard.
Alongside this, judges will continue to prioritise cases involving vulnerable victims and witnesses, including rape and other sexual offences.
We must continue to support victims until these reforms take effect, and the Deputy Prime Minister has announced investment of £550 million in victim support services over the next three years of this Spending Review period.
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