Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Fletcher Excerpts

Tuesday 10th January 2023 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Mark Fletcher (Bolsover) (Con)]

1. What steps his Department is taking to improve support for rape victims in the criminal justice system.

[Robin Millar (Aberconwy) (Con)]

5. What steps his Department is taking to improve support for rape victims in the criminal justice system.

[The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Dominic Raab)]

We have a comprehensive package of measures under way to improve support for victims of rape, and I can tell the House that in the last year, adult rape convictions rose by 65% over the previous year.

[Mark Fletcher]

I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. A constituent recently raised with me concerns about registered sex offenders being able to change their names while in prison, which causes immense concern to the families and loved ones of victims. What steps are being taken to ensure that, in such cases, offenders are not able to walk away from their crimes?

[Dominic Raab]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I can tell and reassure him that governors are under no obligation to accept requests for a change of name. Public safety is the most important consideration. When a change of name is recognised, probation records are updated, police are notified, and victims and others affected would also be notified.