Rape conviction rates are “disgracefully low”, Policing Minister Kit Malthouse has admitted, as he acknowledged that “there is a problem” with violence against women and girls.
Speaking ahead of Home Secretary Priti Patel’s conference speech on Tuesday morning, Kit Malthouse told Sky News the government will “redouble our efforts” to make public spaces safer for women.
The policing minister also admitted that “too many feel unsafe in the public realm” and said the government has “apologised profoundly” for the drop in rape convictions.
Asked if he accepts that there is a problem in the UK with violence against women, Mr Malthouse said: “Oh yes, I think we all accept that.”
He added that this is why the government published a violence against women strategy in the summer.
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Mr Malthouse told Sky News that since he has been policing minister the government has “done a lot of work in this area”, adding: “I have been leading the work in the government on the regrettably, disgracefully low conviction rates that we have around rape and sexual assault.”
The policing minister said while there has been “a lot of work that is ongoing” on reducing violence against women, “we still have a problem in this country”.
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He added that this has been encapsulated in the response to the murder of Sarah Everard.
Mr Raab – who is also the deputy prime minister following last month’s cabinet reshuffle – is expected to say that the government ” will transform the way the justice system treats violence against women”.
It is believed the justice secretary will announce that the Victims’ Code, which focuses on victims’ rights and sets out the minimum standard that organisations must provide to victims of crime, will be enshrined in law.
He is also expected to add that his “number one priority” is “making our communities safer, so that women can walk home at night, without having to look over their shoulder”.
Meanwhile, Ms Patel will pledge to “redouble” her efforts to make women feel safer and to “ensure perpetrators feel the full force of the law”.
Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday morning, Mr Malthouse admitted the government “have to respond” to the response to cases including that of Sarah Everard.
“The fact that there are too many women and girls out there who just feel unsafe in the public realm does demand that we constantly increase and reinforce our efforts to make sure that they and everybody else feel safe,” the policing minister added.
The government “are very focused on this issue”, he said, pledging to try and drive rape and sexual assault conviction rates up.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also stressed that reducing the rates of violence against women and girls “is my number one issue” when speaking on BBC Breakfast.
Mr Malthouse also told Sky News that Insulate Britain protestors have “crossed the line” of peaceful protest after video footage was released showing a paramedic removing an individual from the middle of the road.
Describing the footage as “deeply distressing”, the policing minister said something “does” need to be done about the situation.
“While we obviously all value the right to protest, there is a difference between causing disruption and causing damage,” he said.
“We believe that these protesters and some of the others that we have seen in the last couple of years have crossed the line between exercising their right but also their responsibility towards the rest of us and something needs to be done.”
Mr Malthouse added that the government will be “announcing a raft of new measures” to curb protests such as this later on Tuesday.
Mr Raab will be making his conference speech at 9.50 with Ms Patel’s following at 11.50.
Sir Keir Starmer has said he will be “looking towards a better, brighter future” in his first Christmas message as prime minister.
It comes almost six months into the Labour leader’s time in Downing Street, with the prime minister currently having to battle criticisms of his party’s management of the economy and the direction he is taking the country.
His message takes an optimistic tone, while also encouraging people to “look after those around us” and wishing for peace in the Middle East.
Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season.
“It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people.
“Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.”
The prime minister went on: “I’d like especially to thank those who will spend their Christmas serving others this year. In our NHS and emergency services, our Armed Forces and the churches and charities that will welcome every person this Christmas.
“Because I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone.
“Because as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story reminds all of us to reach out to one another. To care for one another. And to look after those around us.
“This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story.
“I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings.
“So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.”
Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Opposition, has also shared a Christmas message.
It strikes a similar tone to Sir Keir’s, although shares more personal anecdotes.
For example, the Tory leader says Christmas is her “very favourite time of year” due to “having lots of family around, seeing my friends, eating, drinking, having fun, making merry”.
She goes on to thank everyone in the country for “supporting each other”, and encouraging people to “support all of those people who need our assistance”.
Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, paid tribute to young carers in his Christmas message.
He looked after his sick mother as he was growing up, and tried to get a Christmas number one with a song raising awareness of young carers.
Sir Ed said: “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity.
“So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts.”