Oral Answers to Questions

Karen Lumley Excerpts

Thursday 15th October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull East (Karl Turner) is something of a veteran at chuntering from a sedentary position in evident disapproval of the thrust of the Government Front-Bench team’s position, but he will have his opportunity, on his feet, in due course.

[Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con)]

4. What steps the Crown Prosecution Service has taken to improve the conviction rate for rape and domestic violence in the last two years.

[Karl MᶜCartney (Lincoln) (Con)]

8. What steps the Crown Prosecution Service has taken to improve the conviction rate for rape and domestic violence in the last two years.

[The Solicitor General (Robert Buckland)]

This year, more cases of violence against women and girls have been referred from the police, charged, prosecuted and convicted than ever before. The work undertaken by the Crown Prosecution Service and the police on rape and domestic abuse culminated in the highest volumes ever of prosecutions and convictions in 2014-15.

[Karen Lumley]

In the West Mercia region, in which my constituency is located, we have seen the rape crisis go up this year to 700 from 400 cases. Can my hon. and learned Friend assure me that we are doing everything we can to make sure that these people are prosecuted?

[The Solicitor General]

CPS West Midlands has a specialist rape and serious sexual offences unit in recognition of the increasing volume of rape and serious sexual offences reported. CPS West Midlands has increased the size of the unit and the team continues to work very closely with the police, victims groups and the independent Bar to ensure that strong cases are built and witnesses looked after.

Oral Answers to Questions

Karen Lumley Excerpts

Tuesday 10th February 2015 Commons Chamber

[The Attorney-General]

I agree with my hon. Friend. Close working is always important and the Serious Fraud Office tries to do that. I am sure the intergovernment review will find better ways of co-ordinating if there are better ways to be found.

[Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con)]

5. What steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to increase the number of successful prosecutions for human trafficking offences.

[The Solicitor-General (Mr Robert Buckland)]

The number of successful prosecutions in human trafficking cases has increased each year since April 2010, from 73 to 155, which is more than double. The Director of Public Prosecutions is seeking to increase the number of prosecutions further through the CPS contribution to the Government strategy on modern slavery.

[Karen Lumley]

Does my hon. and learned Friend agree that the Modern Slavery Bill is a groundbreaking measure that will send a clear message to perpetrators?

[The Solicitor-General]

I do, and I am grateful to Members in all parts of the House for their sterling support for legislation which is among the first in the world and the first in Europe.