Fylde MP Andrew Snowden has raised the plight of grooming gang and rape victims in Parliament, calling for urgent action to cut court delays and deliver justice more quickly.
Speaking during Justice Questions, Mr Snowden drew on his experience as Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, where he saw first-hand how crucial it is for the police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and courts to work together to prioritise cases of rape and serious sexual assault.
Andrew told the Solicitor General that lengthy delays in the justice system risk victims losing faith and withdrawing from prosecutions, forcing them to relive the trauma of their abuse while offenders walk free. He pressed the Government on what more is being done to speed up the listing of these sensitive cases.
In response, the Solicitor General confirmed that pilot schemes are running in some areas where weekly meetings between police, prosecutors and the courts are driving cases forward and cutting unnecessary delays.
Andrew Snowden MP said:
“The grooming and sexual exploitation of young girls is one of the most sickening crimes imaginable, and victims deserve nothing less than swift and certain justice. From my time as Lancashire’s Police Commissioner, I know how important it is that police, prosecutors and judges work hand in hand to prioritise these cases. Every extra month a victim is left waiting increases the risk of justice slipping away, and means they are forced to relive their trauma again and again.
That’s why I pressed the Government this week to do more to speed up these cases, building on the successful trials we’ve seen in recent years. I welcome the news that further pilot schemes are now underway, and I will keep fighting to ensure that victims get the support they need and that offenders are brought to justice.”
Andrew has made tackling serious crime and standing up for victims a central focus of his work in Parliament, building on his record in Lancashire where he oversaw major investment in policing and brought forward tough measures to protect communities.
