To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps (a) her Department, (b) Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) and (c) Cheshire Police have taken in responce to the recent HMIC report on Cheshire Police's handling of rape cases; and if she will make a statement.

The Government are committed to improving the police response to rape, and it is vital that police-recorded crime statistics are robust to ensure victims get the support they need. That is why the Home Secretary asked Her Majesty’s inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) to carry out an all-force investigation of crime recording practices, including for rape.

These reports, in conjunction with HMIC’s Rape Monitoring Group data for rape published earlier in the year, gives all chief constables and police and crime commissioners key data and analysis to improve their force’s response to victims of rape.

It is right that Cheshire Constabulary is taking steps to address the main recommendations highlighted within the HMIC report, and the police and crime commissioner have both committed to ensuring that victims are at the heart of policing.