ANONYMITY FOR DEFENDANTS IN RAPE CASES

Early day motion 105, tabled 26 May 2010 by Fiona Mactaggart (Labour). Signed by 106 members.

That this House believes that the Government's proposal to grant anonymity to defendants in rape cases sends a message to juries and rape victims that the victim is not to be believed; fears that this could inhibit the effective prosecution of serial rapists; is further concerned that this will reverse the progress made on the prosecution of rape cases noted in the independent Stern Review; is further concerned that the Government has put forward the proposal without any research, evidence or examination of these issues; and calls on the Government to withdraw its proposal.

Signatures by party: Labour 102, Alliance 1, Green 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1.