Fury as Labour accuses Tories of ‘effectively decriminalising rape’

Labour was fiercely criticised last night after claiming Conservative ministers had ‘effectively decriminalised’ rape.    

Tory MPs condemned the allegation as ‘dangerous fake news’ and accused the Opposition of trying to score ‘cheap political points’.

Sir Keir Starmer’s party had tweeted: ‘Under the Tories, rape has effectively been decriminalised. We need to do so much more to end violence against women and girls.’ 

Amanda Milling, Conservative party chair, branded the post ‘incredibly irresponsible’, while colleagues said it could deter victims from coming forward.

Labour sources shot back that the statement simply echoed the views of the Government’s own victims commissioner. 

The row came as MPs voted in favour of the Government’s controversial Policing Bill, which Labour argues does not adequately confront the issue of violence against women.  

In the tweet, Labour highlighted the low percentage of rape complaints that result in a criminal conviction. 

But the suggestion that the crime had been ‘decriminalised’ drew an angry reaction from Tory MPs.  

Dehenna Davison, MP for Bishop Auckland, said: ‘This is not just fake news – this is dangerous. 

‘Has any thought been given to the fact this messaging in itself could discourage women from reporting rape and sexual assault?’ 

Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, and chair of the Commons equality committee, said the claim was ‘untrue’.

Nimco Ali, the Government adviser on violence against women, accused Labour of trying to score ‘cheap political points’ and demanded whoever signed off the tweet to be sacked. 

A Labour source hit back: ‘This quote is from the Conservative Government’s own appointed victims commissioner… If they think she is wrong, they should tell her.’

The report last year from Dame Vera Baird QC lamented the 3 per cent charge rate for rape complaints in 2019.

She said: ‘In effect, what we are witnessing is the decriminalisation of rape. In doing so, we are failing to give justice to thousands of complainants.’

Labour published the tweet minutes before MPs voted through the Government’s Policing, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill at its second reading, the first Commons test for draft legislation.

The bill would make it easier for officers to combat non-violent protests which cause significant disruption to the public or hinder access to Parliament.

The wide-ranging legislation would also make the most serious offenders serve at least two-thirds of their prison sentences. 

Last night MPs voted 359 to 263, a majority of 96, at second reading, the first significant Commons test of a bill. 

Labour voted against the bill, and shortly after the vote Sir Keir branded the Government’s priorities ‘completely wrong’.

He said: ‘The Conservatives have just voted for legislation to increase prison sentences for those damaging statues. But does nothing to address violence towards women and girls.’ 

The Policing Bill was part of the Conservative 2019 manifesto but elements raised eyebrows from MPs on the party’s libertarian wing.

The draft legislation includes an offence of ‘intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance’, and someone will be judged to have committed this crime if they cause ‘serious harm to the public’, which can include ‘serious annoyance, serious inconvenience or serious loss of amenity’, with those convicted potentially facing a fine or jail. 

The ‘serious annoyance’ element of the criteria has prompted a furious backlash from critics who warn the laws could pose a threat to free speech rights and the right to protest.