Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department's policies of the report by the HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate entitled An inspection of early advice and pre-charge decision making in adult rape cases, published in July 2025.

This Government is committed to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls, including rape. The HMCPSI report examines early evidence and pre-charge decision-making in adult rape cases. The Ministry of Justice works with criminal justice agencies, including the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), to ensure that the court system and victim support services are equipped to meet rising demand as more rape cases reach court.

The CPS remains resolute in its determination to continue to increase the number of rape cases taken to court each year – so that more victims, irrespective of their background and circumstances, can see justice done.

The CPS has welcomed the publication of the HMCPSI report and accepted its recommendations; immediate action is being taken to address the concerns raised, working with partners in policing and the voluntary sector.

This includes ensuring that the National Operating Model for Adult Rape Prosecution is fully and consistently embedded at both national and local levels, and taking proactive steps to strengthen the quality of rape casework. These improvements will be driven by a new Rape Action Plan focussed on providing enhanced assurance of legal decision-making, supporting and upskilling CPS staff, and increasing public confidence in charging.