In response to the Prime Minister's comments about the role of defence in rape cases today 1/6 
.@LawSocPresident I. Stephanie Boyce said: "The suggestion that defence lawyers are the reason that rape convictions are at such low levels is just plain wrong and surprising, given the very different conclusions reached in the UK government’s own Rape Review" 2/6
"The UK government's own review concluded, quite rightly, that the current situation for victims is *totally unacceptable*" 3/6
"Rather than attempting to place the blame for this on hard-working and underpaid defence lawyers, the review highlighted the need to ensure better-quality cases go to trial, enhanced support for victims and a faster and more proportionate approach to disclosure" 4/6
"Defence lawyers are also not responsible for
- Years of underfunding
- Cuts including Court Closures
- Caps on judicial sitting days
- A lack of investment in #LegalAid, which have stretched the criminal justice system to breaking point" 5/6
- Years of underfunding
- Cuts including Court Closures
- Caps on judicial sitting days
- A lack of investment in #LegalAid, which have stretched the criminal justice system to breaking point" 5/6
"Trials are now being listed in 2023 meaning long delays in accessing justice for victims, witnesses and defendants. The only solution to these criminal court backlogs – which pre-date the pandemic – is sustained investment" 6/6
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