Written questions by Garnier.

What steps he is taking to expedite cases involving sexual offences.

The Government inherited a justice system in crisis with a record and rising number of criminal cases waiting to be heard in the Crown Court. Victims are facing unacceptable delays and without action, the situation will continue to spiral, far beyond the point of recovery.The reforms being brought forward through the recently introduced Courts and Tribunals Bill are designed to improve timeliness in the Crown Court and speed up justice for all victims, including victims of rape.The uncapping of Crown Court sitting days in 2026/27 will 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 must continue to support victims until these reforms take effect, and the Deputy Prime Minister has announced investment of £550 million in victim support services over the next three years of this Spending Review period.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the prosecution and processes that support sexual offence cases, are compliant with the Victims’ Code.

The Victims’ Code sets out what victims can expect from the criminal justice system. The Ministry of Justice recently consulted on a draft Victims’ Code (this closed on 30 April) and the Department is currently analysing the consultation responses to ensure the Government gets the foundations right for victims in the new Code. The new Code will be complimented by a Code compliance framework which, once implemented, will place new statutory duties for criminal justice agencies, including the courts, to demonstrate compliance with victims’ rights under the Code.To ensure victims have the support they need whilst engaging in the court process, the Courts and Tribunals Bill, will strengthen access to special measures to help victims be able to participate effectively in the justice process. For example, screening the witness from the defendant or enabling evidence via video link can help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses give their best evidence.The Crown Prosecution Service also offers pre-trial meetings to adult victims of rape and serious sexual offences before they give evidence at court or before they pre-record their cross examination. Through the Code consultation, the Department will consider whether to make pre-trial meetings a specific Code right for these victims.In addition, in 2025 the Ministry of Justice published statutory guidance on Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), setting out best practice for supporting victims. ISVAs offer practical and emotional support, such as accompanying victims when giving evidence in court or via live link.The Department also funds the Witness Service which provides emotional support and practical assistance in court on the day of trial, such as providing information on the court process, providing a visible presence in a court building when trials are listed and (if requested by the witness and agreed by the judge) accompanying them into the courtroom when they give evidence or for the reading of their Victim Personal Statement.The Ministry of Justice also provides significant funding for victim and witness support services, including community-based domestic abuse and sexual violence services. This is complemented by core funding to Police and Crime Commissioners who commission local services based on assessed need.

With reference to Section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, what steps she is taking to ensure that (a) victims and (b) witnesses are supported following their pre-recorded evidence.

Following the recording of section 28 evidence, victims and witnesses are supported through ongoing contact from Witness Care Units. They are offered access to specialist emotional and practical support services, including counselling where appropriate, to help them manage the impact of their experience. In line with their rights under the Victims’ Code, they also receive clear and timely updates on case progress and outcomes.The Ministry of Justice provides funding for victim and witness support services, including ringfenced funding for sexual violence and domestic abuse services.

With reference to section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Justice Act 1999, whether she has had discussions with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women and Safeguarding on the use of pre-recorded evidence in cases of (a) sexual assault and (b) rape.

The Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls regularly meets with the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls to discuss shared priorities. These discussions ensure close collaboration across portfolios and a continued focus on improving support for victims throughout the criminal justice process.

With reference to section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Justice Act 1999, what steps she is taking to ensure court proceedings in sexual cases are not repeatedly adjourned.

The Ministry of Justice’s 2025 impact evaluation of section 28 found that, between January 2019 and September 2022, victims were able to give evidence around five months before the trial. Although trials began one month later on average, the analysis was unable to examine the specific factors causing this delay. While section 28 hearings can occasionally affect scheduling – such as requiring a barrister to leave another trial – the evaluation found no discernible effect on the number of trials that are cancelled or rescheduled as a result of the measure.The progression of a case through the courts is a matter for the judiciary. Listing and case management decisions are made by the judiciary in collaboration with court listing officers, who prioritise cases involving vulnerable witnesses, including those involving serious sexual offences. To support this, HMCTS has introduced measures such as a national forum for listing officers to share best practice.