Daily Politics from the New Statesman Natalie Fleet MP: I won't report my rape
Dec 10, 2025
In a compelling discussion, Labour MP Natalie Fleet shares her personal experience as a survivor while campaigning for reform in the justice system for victims of rape. She reveals the shocking delays in trial dates, attributing it to systemic neglect and underinvestment. Fleet highlights societal barriers that deter women from reporting assaults, and explains her own reasons for avoiding police involvement. The conversation delves into the urgent need for policy changes to reduce court backlogs and improve support for victims amid pervasive cultural issues.
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Underinvestment Caused Rape Trial Backlogs
- Chronic underinvestment and austerity have created the backlog that leaves rape victims waiting years for trials.
- Natalie Fleet argues politics and funding decisions directly determine whether victims get timely justice.
Teen Pregnancy Was Misread As Personal Failure
- Natalie Fleet recounts getting pregnant at 15 and being shamed rather than asked who the father was.
- She only realized later she'd been groomed after peers and professionals never flagged it.
Delays Lead Victims To Despair
- A constituent waited four years and five months for trial and repeatedly attempted suicide under the strain of delays.
- Fleet refused to report her own rape because she fears retraumatizing processes and blaming in court.
