World News

UK introduces specialist courtrooms to prioritise rape cases in England and Wales

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced dedicated crown court facilities to address low prosecution rates and systemic trial delays.

Updated Sep 20, 2026 · 22:15 UTC2 reports

The short version

Specialist courtrooms prioritizing rape and serious sexual offence cases will be set up across England and Wales over the next two years.[BBC News · The Guardian]
The initiative aims to improve low prosecution rates and reduce years-long trial delays for victims.[BBC News · The Guardian]
Campaigners welcomed the move, but officials warned that the overall crown court backlog remains worse than when similar plans were proposed in 2021.[BBC News · The Guardian]

Specialist courtrooms prioritising rape and serious sexual offence cases will be introduced across England and Wales over two years.[BBC News · The Guardian]
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the initiative, calling rape prosecution rates shamefully low.[BBC News · The Guardian]
Rape Crisis England and Wales supported the reforms, noting they address long-requested changes.[BBC News]
Labour MP Charlotte Nichols revealed she waited 1,088 days for her rape case to reach court.[BBC News · The Guardian]

Victims commissioner Claire Waxman warned that the crown court backlog of sexual offence cases is significantly worse than in 2021, raising questions about the specialist courts' immediate efficacy.[The Guardian]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.