Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to new figures that show wide variations in the way police forces record and classify rape allegations, said:

“We know too many victims are put off reporting rape and sexual abuse by the fear that they won’t be believed. Today’s figures suggest that, in some parts of the country, this fear has become a reality.

“There’s far too much variation in the way rape victims are treated, the way the crimes are investigated and the way the information is recorded. Too often that means victims are being let down. That’s why Labour is calling for new national standards for tackling rape and sexual violence - to make sure police forces, local councils and others give victims all the support they need and more rapists are convicted.

“It takes huge courage for rape victims to come forward. They need to feel confident that they will be listened to. And we must act to ensure they are able to secure the justice they deserve.”