Anonymity for rape suspects canned in govt u-turn
By politics.co.uk staff
The coalition’s pledge to provide anonymity to men accused of rape was scrapped today – to the delight of campaigners.
In the coalition agreement, the two parties stated: “We will extend anonymity in rape cases to defendants.”
Today the justice minister Crispin Blunt justified the volte face by saying the pledge would only have taken effect based on evidence that it was necessary.
He said: “The coalition government made it clear from the outset that it would proceed with defendant anonymity in rape cases only if the evidence justifying it was clear and sound, and in the absence of any such finding it has reached the conclusion that the proposal does not stand on its merits. It will not, therefore, be proceeded with further.”
A report out today, by MoJ director of analytical services Rebecca Endean “found insufficient reliable empirical evidence on which to base an informed decision on the value of strengthening anonymity for rape defendants.
“Evidence is lacking in a number of key areas and this report highlighted a range of issues on which clarity and/or more robust evidence is needed.”
Special cases such as teachers being accused of rape by pupils will be unaffected by the changes.
Today’s U-turn will delight campaigners who objected to the pledge on the grounds that it would re-introduce legislation not seen since the 1970s with the Sexual Offences Act.
During her brief (acting) leadership of the Labour party, Harriett Harman repeatedly raised the issue in prime minister’s questions.
