Skip to main content

Rape: Sentencing

Volume 462: debated on Wednesday 11 July 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 25 June 2007, Official Report, column 357W, on rape: sentencing, what his assessment is of the reasons for the differences in sentences given in Northern Ireland compared to those in England and Wales; and if he will take steps to bring the different sentences into line. (148488)

The sentencing framework and policy remains the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Office in Northern Ireland and for the Ministry of Justice in England and Wales. Differences have historically occurred in operational practice.

The Northern Ireland Office undertook a comprehensive public consultation on proposals for reviewing the sentencing framework for Northern Ireland in 2006, and it will be publishing proposals based on this consultation in due course.