Ken Clarke defends comments on rape sentencing

Mr Clarke faced an evening of scrutiny from several news outlets after Number 10 ordered the Justice Secretary to explain his comments.

Speaking on BBC Radio earlier in the day yesterday, he had declared that in terms of sentencing there was a distinction between “date rate, 17-year-olds having intercourse with 15-year-olds” and “serious rape, with violence and an unwilling woman”.

Speaking from his home later in the day, Mr Clarke said: “I’ve always said that all rape is serious and I have no intention of changing the sentencing guidelines on rape, which always attracts serious imprisonment and quite rightly.

To resign for proposals I’ve never made or thought of making would be a little odd, I think. Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke

“Different rapes get different lengths of sentences from judges and always have, and they now follow sentencing guidelines that explain the different degrees which justify different sentences.

“If I caused genuine offence to anyone by explaining that longstanding factual situation, then I must have used a very poor choice of words, so I will try to use my words more carefully in future.”

FactCheck: Who benefits from 50 per cent 'discounted' jail terms?

Mr Clarke continued: “I have made no proposals to change the sentencing for rape. I have made proposals on the discount given for a guilty plea so that people are punished more if they make the witness go through the ordeal again.”

When asked if he would consider resigning over the comments he had made, Mr Clarke laughed off the suggestion: “To resign for proposals I’ve never made or thought of making would be a little odd, I think.”

The FactCheck Blog: England's record on rape

Prison officers’ vote of no confidence

The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has increased pressure on Mr Clarke to resign, declaring that the minister is “out of touch with society and the general public”.

The POA demand the Prime Minister appoint a justice minister who will meet and engage with the POA so that the criminal justice system continues to be fit for purpose. POA Chairman Peter McParlin

General Secretary Steve Gillan revealed that POA members passed a vote of no confidence in the Justice Secretary last week: “Clearly his comments yesterday support this union’s claim and they have angered many, many people and organisations.”

POA chairman Peter McParlin directly called for a replacement to Kenneth Clarke. “The POA demand the Prime Minister appoint a justice minister who will meet and engage with the POA so that the criminal justice system continues to be fit for purpose,” he said.