July 16th, 2026.



James MacCleary MP has urged the government to take more action as he highlighted the issues in Sussex, with a rate of prosecution much lower than the already low national average. He challenged the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, on what she was doing to take action against violence against women and girls.

MacCleary highlighted the issues in Sussex where only 3% of reported rape cases ever make it to trial, of which just over half see a conviction, 10% below the already low national average. He explained because of this, many women question if their abusers will ever face justice. He also asked for an update on Operation Soteria, and to set out what actions she is taking to?improve the investigation and prosecution of rape cases in Sussex?

The Secretary of State outlined the commitment they have made to halve the levels of violence against women and girls in a decade. She explained how they have invested £53 million to tackle the highest harm perpetrators and have protected more than 1,000 victims through domestic abuse and protection orders.?She promised MacCleary a meeting with the Minister for Policing and Crime to talk about the specific issues facing Sussex.

James MacCleary, Member of Parliament for Lewes, said: “Sussex is in the grip of a crisis of violence against women and girls. In the county, only 3% of reported rape cases ever make it to trial, and of the few who ever get their day in court after distressing delays, just 53% see a conviction. That is 10% below the national average. It is therefore no surprise that so many women in the county have so little faith that their abusers will ever face justice.

“Operation Soteria was launched in 2021 to overhaul the way in which rape and other serious sexual offences are investigated and prosecuted, but there appears to be little progress in Sussex. Can the Minister update the House on the progress of Operation Soteria, and set out what action she is taking to improve the investigation and prosecution of rape cases in Sussex?”

The Secretary of State answered, and promised a meeting with the relevant minister: “I am happy to arrange a meeting for the hon. Gentleman with the Minister for Policing and Crime, my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon West (Sarah Jones), to discuss the specific issues in Sussex”.