Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will take steps to expedite rape and sexual violence cases so that victim do not wait more than six months for their case to be heard in court.

The Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record number of cases awaiting trial in the Crown Court. Victims are facing an unacceptably long wait for justice and without action, the situation will continue to spiral.

The Courts and Tribunals Bill currently before Parliament introduces measures to reduce the Crown Court open caseload and modernise our court system. The uncapping of Crown Court sitting days in the 26/27 financial year will also 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 recognise that lengthy delays can be particularly difficult for victims of rape and sexual violence and are taking forward a range of measures to improve the experience of these victims through the criminal justice system. This includes introducing independent legal advisors for adult rape victims, rolling out trauma-informed training to all court staff, and delivering legislative reforms to protect victims, particularly victims of sexual offences, from unnecessary and intrusive cross-examination about their personal lives at court.

The Ministry of Justice has also committed £550 million to victim support services over the next three years. This includes grant funding to Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales to commission local practical, emotional, and therapeutic support services for victims of all crime types, including sexual violence. The Ministry of Justice provides funding to over 60 specialist organisations through the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund, helping victims to cope with their experiences and move forward with their lives, and the National 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is also available to victims of these crimes.

Alongside this wider work, the Government remains committed to its manifesto pledge to introduce specialist courts for rape.