Crime: Rape

Debate between Lord Keen of Elie and Baroness Kennedy of Cradley

Tuesday 22nd October 2019 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Kennedy of Cradley]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to change the law in respect of the offence of rape.

[The Advocate-General for Scotland (Lord Keen of Elie) (Con)]

My Lords, we are committed to ensuring that the law is fit for purpose and that the offence of rape is well understood. The decline in the number of rape cases reaching court is a matter of concern. The Government are committed to a cross-government review of the criminal justice system’s response to rape. If barriers to justice are uncovered, we will take action.

[Baroness Kennedy of Cradley (Lab)]

My Lords, how can it be right that young girls aged 13 to 15 who were groomed, exploited or manipulated into having underage sex cannot get justice for the crimes against them because the abuse they suffered took place before 1 May 2004? The one-year time limit to commence proceedings for the offence of unlawful sexual intercourse, set by the old Sexual Offences Act 1956, is protecting countless perpetrators who should otherwise still be prosecuted for abusing underage girls. I believe, as do many others, that legislation can put this right. Will the Minister commit the Government to investigating and closing this loophole?