A Bill to require the Secretary of State to remove the discretionary decision-making power afforded to police officers in charging individuals with rape in cases relating to acts of sexual intercourse involving persons aged under 16; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
30 March 2015
This bill would remove police officers’ power to decide when to charge someone with rape in cases where the sexual act involved a person under 16. Instead, charging rules would be set by the government (the Secretary of State). The aim is to create a consistent, nationwide approach to these offences.
The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage for detailed examination and amendments.
Generated 21 February 2026
This Bill was presented to Parliament on 25 March 2015. This is known as the first reading and there was no debate on the Bill at this stage.
The 2014-15 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
