Reeves and Atkins clash over rape sentences

During justice questions, shadow minister Ellie Reeves criticised the government for “letting down” rape victims.

Justice minister Victoria Atkins responded by referring to the shared “determination to crack down” on perpetrators, but told the House that Labour did not support the government’s Police and Courts Bill, which would have addressed this issue.

Atkins told Reeves that Labour should “stand with the government” to ensure that rapists “spend longer in prison”.