Home Office minister Jess Phillips expressed encouragement over new statistics showing an 8% rise in recorded sexual offences, including a 7% increase in rape incidents in England and Wales, attributing this to more victims coming forward. Critics, like Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp, argue this reflects Labour’s failure to ensure women’s safety. The government contends the rise indicates greater confidence in reporting and police action. Recent measures include specialized teams for rape investigations and a £1 billion strategy to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade.
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