Good evening everyone.

I’d like first of all to take this opportunity to update you on the situation in London tonight.

I’m sure as you will all know earlier today (5 March 2019) a number of suspicious packets were discovered today at locations across the city – including at Heathrow and London City Airports, as well as at Waterloo Station.

Specialist officers of the Met Police have assessed them as containing small improvised explosive devices are now investigating.

While we wait for the police’s work to take course, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to officers for their efforts and their rapid response.

And to all the staff involved at these sites for their swift action and fortitude in dealing with these incidents and for keeping passengers on the move. The airports’ responses have been exemplary.

My department is monitoring the situation and is in close communication with the police, Home Office, British Transport Police and other relevant organisations.

I did of course want to start my speech this evening on a different note by thanking Ed for his chairmanship of the AOA.

As I’m sure we all know over the past 11 years he’s been a really staunch advocate for airports, ensuring that the industry’s voice is clearly heard, its needs articulated.

And representing a sector which has seen remarkable growth over that period.

And which continued to develop and expand in 2018.

Yet again passenger numbers reached all-time highs at airports across the UK.

With over 28 million travellers passing through Manchester, more than 14 million at Edinburgh and almost 9 million at Bristol.

And you have all continued to forge new connections across the globe.

With Gatwick’s direct flights to Shanghai, Manchester’s new connection to Mumbai and Stansted’s link to the Middle East.

And it’s exciting to see scheduled passenger flights to return to Carlisle Airport for the first time in a quarter of a century, providing Cumbria with new air connections to London, Belfast and Dublin.

A great example of how our regional airports are thriving.

Over the past year I’ve witnessed that success unfold at other airports like Newquay – which plays such a critical role in keeping the south-west connected.

The great strides you have made improving the passenger experience.

When I opened new facilities at Leeds Bradford and Luton.

And I saw how Gatwick is readying itself for the future when I visited Boeing’s new service hangar – built to maintain some of the world’s most energy efficient aircraft.

And this was a year in which airports continued to play a vital role in powering our economy.

You’ve not only handled tens of billions of pounds worth of freight and with the wider aviation sector, supported hundreds of thousands of jobs.

As Ed mentioned, many of you have also pledged to improve gender equality throughout the industry so these great opportunities are open to all.

Through the Women in aviation and aerospace charter, which now boasts support from almost 100 organisations – representing a significant proportion of the sector.

The launch of the charter really was a pivotal moment in building an industry in which women can thrive at every level.

I would reiterate Ed’s encouragement to add your organisation’s name to the charter if it’s not already included.

And I’d like to thank you all for your efforts in getting this initiative off the ground.

As well as my ministerial colleague Baroness Sugg for her hard work on addressing the aviation sector’s gender gap.

This is a hugely important issue at any time and it’s one that’s particularly pertinent today in the week of International Women’s Day

I know that as a sector you’ve been doing some great work on this front.

With EasyJet aiming for one fifth of new pilot entrants to be female by 2020.

While Flybe’s campaign to raise awareness of gender stereotypes and encourage more girls to consider a career in the skies, has been a success.

And of course I welcome the news today that Virgin Atlantic will be revising its make up code for flight attendants.

However as Liz has highlighted we cannot be complacent.

There is still more that we can do.

For instance, by providing the environment where everyone can thrive by introducing family friendly policies, such as enhanced maternity pay, that have been shown to help attract and retain women in other sectors.

So, new routes, new developments and a new commitment to ensuring opportunities are open to all.

It’s been another impressive 12 months for the aviation sector.

That’s why I haven’t been able to resist recruiting aviation expertise to help the railways become more customer-focussed.

Andrew Haines, recently of the CAA, is now leading Network Rail, while Keith Williams, formerly of BA is running our Rail Review.

I would like to thank Richard Moriarty for the great work he’s done as successor to Andrew.

But to keep this industry at the forefront of progress, we need to keep modernising aviation itself.

You don’t need me to tell you that reforming the way we use our airspace is among the most pressing of tasks.

Our airspace was structured for the propeller driven planes of the 1950s.

Quite simply it doesn’t meet the demands of the jet age – never mind the needs of 21st century aircraft – fitted with sophisticated onboard technologies like performance based navigation.

It’s vital this changes.

So we can make better use of new technology to cut aircraft noise and carbon emissions.

So that holidaymakers’ long awaited breaks are not disrupted by flights that fail to leave on time.

So that passengers can continue to enjoy good value flights to the widest possible range of destinations.

Last year we set out our clear support and political backing for modernisation in order to deliver quicker, quieter and cleaner journeys, as well as greater capacity.

But we now need to make the national case. For while research shows that the majority of people are in favour of modernisation, 8 in 10 have no idea about our plans on this front.

So, we need to work harder at conveying the message of why modernisation is needed – ahead of the formal consultations in 2021 and 2022 on proposed new flight paths.

And we’re also consulting on new legislation to support modernisation.

But we need you, the airports, to engage locally. Listening to communities’ concerns. Explaining the issues. Cutting through misconceptions. And making sure everyone understands why we’re doing this.

So, thank you for your engagement on this subject so far.

We all know the heartfelt strength of feeling that is often evoked by changes to flight paths and airspace.

But by working together we can help people gain a deeper understanding of this complex yet crucial issue.

And despite the challenges involved, I’ve no doubt we will succeed in making the case for an airspace that’s ready to meet the needs of communities and the demands of the 21st century.

Engagement with local communities on aviation related matters has come a long way in recent years.

And we are seeking to continue in this vein, through the Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise, (ICCAN) that will advise the government on noise mitigation and how the needs of communities can best be served.

I’m delighted that Robert Light, its independent commissioner, has joined us this evening.

These independent bodies have got to hold our feet to the fire and have those difficult conversations.

Such conversations are vitally important. Not just because they provide an opportunity to explain our plans.

But also, because they enable us to learn more about the needs and concerns of people affected by a changing aviation sector.

Two great recent examples of that were the consultations on the Airports National Policy Statement – a crucial first step towards securing much needed extra capacity at Heathrow. This capacity will boost regional connectivity and will benefit the whole country.

And on our new aviation strategy.

They’ve helped spread the message that while growth is needed for this country’s prosperity, it cannot come at any cost.

Airlines and airports must earn the right to grow.

Communities must be supported, passenger voices heard and, as Ed points out, the environment protected.

Our Aviation 2050 consultation not only asks the sector to consider what it can do for the people and places that surround them.

It also proposes new standards to boost the experience of all passengers.

I know, of course, that travellers’ welfare is of paramount importance to everyone in this room.

You’ve come together to tackle disruptive passengers by creating an industry-wide code of practice.

You’ve done some excellent work training your staff to be aware of the challenges faced by those travelling with a hidden disability when they pass through airports.

And you’ve introduced measures like Gatwick’s recently opened sensory room, which provides a place where travellers with autism, dementia, cognitive impairment or other special needs, can relax before their flights.

The next step is to build on that good practice, through Aviation 2050.

And our proposed passenger charter will lay out our expectations for how we expect every airline and airport to behave towards travellers.

From ensuring wheelchairs are safely stowed in the aircraft hold to making sure passengers with allergies have consistent information.

I know many of you have already contributed to the consultation through meetings, discussions and round tables with my department

Your thoughts are hugely valued and I’d like to encourage you to continue to share them with us.

But while I am well aware of the importance of preparing for the future, I am also conscious that airports have faced new challenges in recent months.

The utterly irresponsible and illegal drone activity at Gatwick, which caused so much disruption for more than a hundred thousand travellers at Christmas highlighted an emerging threat that has had a huge impact here in the UK and also around the world, such as in New Jersey.

We are doing everything in our power to ensure that such incidents being repeated.

Last year we also passed legislation that means from November all operators of drones must register and pilots complete a competency test.

Legislation is important. That’s why we’ve just strengthened the existing legal protections for airport perimeters. But this an issue where both enforcement and education are key.

So, our forthcoming Drones Bill will give the police enhanced powers to tackle drones mis-use, including the ability to stop and search.

Of course, I recognise the concerns raised by Ed about Brexit.

But the Prime Minister, and the rest of government, remain determined to leave the EU with a deal that works for the aviation industry.

As you know we have reached some important milestones.

We have agreed new bilateral flight arrangements with 11 third countries, including the US and Canada – ensuring flights to those countries will continue after March 29.

And the EU has provisionally agreed legislation that will ensure flights to and from it will continue in the event of no deal, so passengers can continue to book flights with confidence.

The UK will reciprocate by providing equivalent rights to airlines from those European states – enabling flights to carry on in any scenario. And very shortly I will be setting out the detail of this.

But regardless of the outcome of negotiations, my department is seeking post Brexit arrangements that maximise operational and commercial flexibility for airports and airlines.

As you know, we are at a critical stage in the negotiations, and in the progress of Brexit legislation in Parliament. Geoffrey Cox is in Brussels now working on that.

So, I hope soon we will have much greater clarity.

In the meantime, I’d like to stress how much we value your patience and support throughout the negotiation period. Please also be assured that, no matter what happens, planes will keep flying.

That process of engagement and partnership will of course continue.

What the Brexit debate has shown us, time and time again, is the true value of aviation to our economy and the country as a whole.

That’s why it’s such a priority in the negotiations.

Why we’ve launched our Aviation strategy consultation. And why we’re moving forward together on plans for a modernised airspace.

I’m certain that all this crucial work today will enable this great industry, which has flourished now for 100 years to shine even more brightly in the future.

So thank you all for listening.

And have a great evening.

The new measures will protect and improve workers’ rights after Britain leaves the EU and this follows the government’s commitment in December to the largest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.

The government has made a commitment not to reduce the standards of workers’ rights from EU laws retained in UK law and will ensure that new legislation changing those laws will be assessed as to whether they uphold this commitment.

Parliament will be given the right through the Withdrawal Agreement Bill to consider any future changes in EU law that strengthen workers’ rights or workplace health and safety standards, and vote on whether they too should be adopted into UK law.

The measures will require Parliament to be given regular updates on changes to EU legislation in this area and will give MPs a choice on the action government will take in response, including whether MPs want to decide that the UK should remain aligned with the EU. In preparing those updates, trade unions, businesses and the relevant select committees of Parliament will be consulted with.

This new process will start with 2 EU Directives that come into force after we have left and following the Implementation Period – the Work Life Balance Directive and the Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive. The government has voted in favour of both of these directives in the European Council and intends to ask Parliament if it wants to adopt them into UK law.

The Work Life Balance Directive introduces new rights for parents and carers, such as 2 months of paid leave for each parent up until the child is 8 and also 5 days of leave for those caring for sick relatives.

The Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive will set the terms of employment for workers by their first working day and provides more stability if you work in shifts. The government is already committed to many of these measures.

Prime Minister Theresa May said:

We have as a country led the way in workers’ rights while maintaining a flexible labour market. The enormous success of our jobs market and the wealth of opportunities for workers across the nation have long been underpinned by the policies and standards that exceed the minimums set by the EU and that has been driven by successive governments of all parties.

After Brexit it should be for Parliament to decide what rules are most appropriate, rather than automatically accepting EU changes. When it comes to workers’ rights this Parliament has set world-leading standards and will continue to do so in the future, taking its own decisions working closely with trade unions and businesses.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said:

The United Kingdom has a proud tradition of establishing and improving the rights of working men and women from Shaftesbury’s Factories Acts, through William Hague’s Disability Discrimination Act to the Minimum Wage introduced by a Labour government, bolstered into the National Living Wage by a Conservative government.

While the EU sets minimum requirements in many areas of workers’ rights, time and again the UK has led the way and chosen to exceed them. We are determined to maintain this record of leadership outside the EU. Yet it is a fact that some people felt that the rights of workers would not be adequately addressed, so as part of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill we will ensure parliament is given a vote on the action government will take in response to changes to EU legislation on workers’ rights.

There will also be an extra package of measures to strengthen enforcement of workers’ rights.

Proposals include bringing a range of enforcement bodies under one roof. Currently, HMRC enforces the national minimum and living wages; the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority investigates reports of exploitation and illegal activity in the workplace; and the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate protects the rights of agency workers.

Proposals for a single labour market enforcement body will be brought forward in the coming months. It would have the power, for example, to enforce holiday payments for vulnerable workers and ensure agency workers are not underpaid. It would also have a duty to consult unions and employment unions on its work.

• The Prime Minister, in her role as Minister for Women and Equalities, drove forward the legislation that introduced parental leave, something no EU regulation provides for.
• In January, the government set out new further proposals to protect pregnant women and new parents returning to work. This move goes further than current EU requirements on maternity entitlements and parental leave.
• As Home Secretary, the Prime Minister brought the Gangmasters Licensing Authority into the Home Office, aligning it with the National Crime Agency so that bosses who exploited workers could be more easily identified and prosecuted.
• In December 2018, Business Secretary Greg Clark announced the largest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation through the Good Work Plan, including a day one statement for all workers setting out entitlements and pay. It will also put an end to a legal loophole that enables some firms to pay agency workers less than permanent staff
• Today (Wednesday 6 March), secondary legislation on measures set out in the Government’s Good Work Plan will also be debated in the House of Commons, including ending the legal loophole which enables some firms to pay agency workers less than permanent staff and quadrupling maximum employment tribunal fines for employers who have shown malice, spite or gross oversight from £5,000 to £20,000

A group of teenagers at Pimlico Academy will be taught about the law by Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, and lawyers from the Government Legal Department (GLD) as part of the Young Citizens Legal Experts in Schools programme.

The programme has already delivered a series of legal sessions aimed at increasing young people’s awareness and understanding of the law, developing listening and communication skills and raising aspirations and confidence.

The workshop takes place on 6 March, and will focus on ‘Youth Justice’ which outlines some of the simpler aspects of the law relating to young people and criminal behaviour, and ‘Applying the Law’ which looks at applying the law in practice.

The Solicitor will join government lawyers to discuss the general procedures surrounding arrest and questioning of young people by the police. He will also participle in a group session with the 13-14 year olds to discuss how young people should be treated by the police, and the courts over an offence of criminal damage in which they were both involved. The session will finish by looking at the varieties of punishment.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Solicitor General said:

Young people who know about the law are more aware of their rights and responsibilities which can range from knowing whether you’re entitled to a refund in a shop or whether you’ve been a victim of discrimination.

The sessions are valuable in helping them develop a legal foundation which they will be able to use throughout their lives. Public legal education can have a practical and beneficial effect on young people’s lives, as well as having a positive effect on our legal system.

Tom Franklin, Chief Executive of Young Citizens said:

The law touches everyone’s lives. It’s vital that every young person learns the basics of how the law works – to know their rights and responsibilities, but also to take an active part in society, as citizens. Young Citizens’ Legal Experts in Schools programme involves pupils meeting lawyers, often for the first time, to discuss how the law works.

It’s fantastic to have the support of the Solicitor General for this programme. It will help the pupils to see the connection between democracy, the rule of law within society, and their own individual rights and responsibilities.

Notes

Young Citizens helps young people become active, engaged and motivated citizens, who are able to contribute positively to their communities – whether those communities are local, national or global.

Young Citizens work ranges from projects where young people learn about the legal justice system to empowering children to take action on social issues they care about most. They also empower teachers and volunteering professionals with specialist training and resources for classroom delivery.

It’s a pleasure to be here. M.I.P. is a valued resource across the world and it’s a privilege to speak at today’s conference.

I’ve only been in post for 3 months. And I’m in a slightly unusual situation, in that I’m a Minister in 2 departments – the Business Department and the Department for Education.

This means my poor staff are forced to endure something of a nomadic existence in Whitehall. It also means I have a diverse brief – ranging from technology, to universities and space exploration.

Anyone in government – or anyone honest – will tell you that finding your way through a new Ministerial brief is a daunting task.

But not long into the job I had a eureka moment: I realised that one element of my portfolio united all the others.

That intellectual property is the nerve centre of my role; it links research to economic growth, it links the arts to the sciences. And it underpins everything we are trying to achieve across the economy as a whole.

And that means this is an area we have to get right. Which is why I’m committed to protecting and strengthening our IP system

To helping it adjust to the changes we see around us

To talking to experts like you to understand how we can stay ahead

And, ultimately, to ensuring that UK IP remains some of the best in the world.

The importance of IP

It costs well over a billion pounds, on average, to bring a new drug to market. Hollywood films typically cost in excess of 60 million dollars to produce.

What would be the motivation, let alone the justification, if the fruits of your labours weren’t your own?

This simple principle demonstrates why IP is central to our plans for the economy.

Last year we published our industrial strategy. A key aim of which is to encourage innovation across the economy.

We’re increasing R&D spend to 2.4% of GDP. And we’re encouraging the commercialisation of research in our fantastic universities.

This simply wouldn’t be achievable without a strong IP system.

Last week I met representatives from Stanford and MIT. Both extraordinary centres of innovation. So much so that venture capitalists are buying-up properties adjacent to campus to ensure their staff are close to the action.

It was clear in that meeting that IP protection is vital if those universities are to retain the talent they need to thrive.

I was recently privileged enough to visit the British Library IP archives and see the original patent of the spinning Jenny – one of the sparks of the industrial revolution.

It was an apt reminder that IP underpinned the economic changes of the past. Just as it will today.

If we are to keep the best minds working in Britain. If we are to attract inward investment. And if we are to build the world’s most innovative economy, a strong IP system is key.

The UK IP Framework

Fortunately, the UK has a deserved reputation as a great place to develop and protect IP.

Just last month the US Chamber of Commerce Global IP Centre ranked our IP framework second out of 50 jurisdictions, beaten only by the USA. And we’re ranked first in the world for patents by the Taylor Wessing Global IP Index.

But to maintain this position we need to be able to adapt and respond to the changes we see around us.

Before I was a politician, I was an historian.

And what history shows us is that intellectual property evolves, shaped by changes in, politics, technology and markets.

In the seventeenth century as Parliament and the monarchy tussled for power, control of patents was transferred from the King to the courts.

2 centuries later, we saw the first major international IP agreements, in response to the expansion of communication technologies and the explosion of global trade.

Today, once again, we’re in the midst of significant technological and political change. And IP must adapt.

Innovation, technology and IP

Firstly, as the technological revolution continues to unfold, we need to ensure we understand its impact on IP.

So I’m pleased to announce that this summer we will host conference with the World Intellectual Property Organization, considering the implications of artificial intelligence – or AI – for IP.

But we also need to help our IP systems to respond to the changes we see around us

Both so it can deal with the issues raised by technologies like block chain and AI, whilst supporting innovation.

And so our Intellectual Property Office – or IPO – remains at the cutting edge.

So, last year, for example, we announced research funding to look at how AI can modernise the process of filing Intellectual Property Rights.

And we continue to talk to experts.

I’ve personally visited our IPO offices in both London and Newport to meet with staff and listen to their plans for the future.

And later this year I’ll organise roundtables with key IP stakeholders to understand your views on what we need to do to stay ahead – I hope I’ll see many of you there.

Brexit

But for a nation like ours, with a long and proud history of trading with the world, IP will always be as much an international as a domestic matter.

And of course, one of the complex international challenges the UK has faced in recent years is our withdrawal from the European Union.

This has created a period of huge uncertainty. But, throughout, our priority has been to provide clarity. And to ensure a smooth and effective IP system, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations and parliamentary wrangling.

So although we are focused on delivering the deal negotiated with the EU, we have prepared for all eventualities – including no deal.

I’ve personally taken 4 Statutory Instruments through the Commons in the past few weeks – one of them just yesterday. These ensure we have a fully functioning IP statute book when the UK leaves the EU.

So I am confident that we will continue to have one of the world’s best IP regimes, whatever the outcome. And that the transition will be a smooth one.

International work

As a foundation of global trade, IP plays a crucial role as we leave the EU and forge new relations across the globe.

So we are encouraging consistent and effective systems to help British firms do business internationally

Particularly, through our international attaché network, which operates around the world – from India to Brazil. Promoting respect for intellectual property. Encouraging cross-border collaboration. And helping UK businesses.

Last year alone the network helped British businesses resolve issues worth almost one hundred million pounds. And now we are expanding the network, strengthening our international reach.

We have a new post in North America. And we are increasing resources in China and South East Asia – helping UK firms to make the most of these expanding and lucrative markets.

And I will be visiting China myself next month to discuss important IP issues with my Chinese counterparts, and others.

Conclusion

When I took over this job at the beginning of the year, I was aware that my predecessors had dubbed it the best in government. 8 weeks in, I have to agree.

We live in exciting times. Times of technological revolution and global shifts.

I am immensely proud of the IPO – the work they do, their ability to adapt, and their appetite to succeed in a complex and changing environment.

And I am well aware that this work is enhanced by many of you here – our expert partners – sharing insights and ideas. I’m very grateful to you all and I want us to keep talking.

Because while there are undoubtedly further challenges ahead, I am confident that, together, we will continue to provide one of the world’s best IP systems.

Encouraging innovation and investment, attracting the best talent, and, ultimately, creating the economy our country needs.

Thank you.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, the Home Office has published its refreshed violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy in order to provide further support to victims and survivors of violent crime.

The refreshed action plan, which was first launched in 2016, sets out new measures to help protect women and girls.

This includes a cross-sector, end-to-end review into how rape and sexual violence cases are handled across the criminal justice system.

Other policies among the 54 commitments being made are pledges to:

• commission research into the connection between pornography and violence against women
• develop further measures to support LBGT victims
• explore issues of ‘online flashing’ and consider options for next steps
• consider the impact of alcohol on violence against women and girls

Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability and Minister for Women Victoria Atkins said:

Violence against women and girls strikes at the heart of our families, friendships and communities and it is our responsibility to bring light, justice and support to victims and survivors.

It is right that in the week of International Women’s Day, we keep looking at how we can build on the excellent work done so far. Following campaigns such as #MeToo and #TimesUp that have highlighted the sheer scale of incidents, we, as a society, must do all we can to tackle these horrendous crimes and attitudes.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said:

Any incident of violence or abuse against a woman or girl is a cowardly act that will not be tolerated.

We must do all we can, across government and society, to support victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

The VAWG strategy is an ambitious programme of reform, which has been backed by £100 million of funding, in order to support victims, bring perpetrators to justice, and prevent these crimes happening in the first place.

A key commitment in the refresh is for the government to conduct a review into how the criminal justice system responds to rape and serious sexual offences.

The review will look at the entire criminal justice system – from police report to conviction or acquittal in court – and make recommendations for change to ensure that victims have the confidence that if they report their crimes, action will be taken.

The Ministry of Justice will be establishing a sub-group of the Criminal Justice Board which will oversee the review and inform the discussions of the Inter-Ministerial Group on Violence Against Women and Girls, as well as a stakeholder advisory group to closely involve victims’ groups will be created.

Victims Minister Edward Argar, said:

Victims of rape and sexual violence show immense bravery in coming forward – they must be protected and supported, and get the justice they deserve.

To address victim concerns we will thoroughly review how the justice system deals with these cases – seeking views from charities and all those affected by these crimes.

In addition, we have already nearly doubled funding for victim support services since 2013, as well as providing a 10% increase for specialist sexual abuse services.

The refresh details the work government has done since 2016 to transform the response to violence against women and girls. This includes:

• launching the £17 million VAWG service transformation fund, which funds 41 local areas to support prevention and partnership
• consulting on the introduction of stalking protection civil orders and supporting Sarah Wollaston’s Private Member’s Bill, which today reaches report stage in the House of Lords
• providing £42 million to support domestic abuse services including refuge provision and other accommodation-based services
• introducing an age rating scheme with the music industry to ensure music videos are age classified to help tackle harmful gender norms
• delivering a £4 million national female genital mutilation prevention programme in partnership with NHS England
• publishing updated guidance on the domestic violence disclosure scheme, also known as Clare’s law, that enables potential victims to ask for information about a new partner

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Dame Vera Baird QC said:

I welcome the refreshed VAWG strategy and particularly the funding announced to back it. VAWG victims make up over half of high harm vulnerable and repeat victims in the criminal justice system and rarely emerge from it pleased with what has happened to them.

I therefore particularly welcome the cross sector end to end review of how rape and sexual offences are conducted, from reporting to police right through to the end of the court process. It’s a cause of worry that the number of sex offenders referred by police for prosecutions has dropped and the numbers prosecuted has fallen even more. This is all in the face of thousands more serious sexual complaints. This mismatch is capable of robbing any victim of the confidence to report a sexual assault. Rapists are usually serial offenders and will continue until they are made to stop and so there is also a serious wider risk to public safety from this concern.

Rachel Krys, Co-director of End Violence Against Women Coalition, said:

We are pleased to see that there will be a review of the criminal justice system’s response to rape and sexual offences. Despite a huge increase in the numbers of women reporting rape to the police over the last 5 years, there has been an alarming recent collapse in the rate of cases being charged.

Women who report rape can be made to feel it is they who are under investigation and on trial and we need to turn this around. A close examination of every stage of the process is a good place to start. We are keen to work with the Criminal Justice Board, as it oversees this review, and help ensure that it ultimately increases women’s access to justice.