Labour MP Kerry McCarthy today accused the government of giving a string of “confusing” statements about their plans on giving anonymity to rape defendants.

“This has been brought up time and time again in the chamber, we’ve had a very confusing and mixed set of responses from the various ministers that have answered,” she told the House of Commons.

She wanted to know when the government was planning to bring forward the legislation

Equalities minister Lynn Featherstone said in response that the debate would happen “at an appropriate point.”

Shadow home secretary Alan Johnson said it was a “crucial issue” for the Home Office.

“The Lord Chancellor told the House the other day that he voted for anonymity in 2003. I voted against that, that’s still my view. At some stage I’d like to know the home secretary’s view.”

He said the government ought to be examining the frequency of false allegations of rape compared with other offences, rather than bringing forward the anonymity plans.

Ms Featherstone said: “In the first instance, I’m sure my Rt Hon friend the home secretary and the secretary of state of justice will indeed be looking at what sort of research is necessary prior to bringing in a debate to the House.”

via PoliticsHome