Oral Answers to Questions

Robin Millar Excerpts

Tuesday 10th January 2023 Commons Chamber

[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.

[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.

[Robin Millar]

I welcome my right hon. Friend’s answer. In particular, I welcome the opening of a new rape crisis line offering essential support to victims. Does he agree that such a service should be made available across England and Wales, and will he ensure that it is promoted across England and Wales?

[Dominic Raab]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right and I thank him for raising that. It is critical for victims of rape across the United Kingdom. The new 24/7 support line is available to victims aged 16 or over in England and Wales. There is also a steering group, working with central Government and the Welsh Government, that has oversight of the service. I think it is a great example of what the UK Government are delivering for the people of Wales.