He has defended his record, citing the implementation of new guidelines to challenge myths and stereotypes that had previously hindered prosecutions. According to Starmer, he reopened cases that had been closed, initiated the first prosecution of an Asian grooming gang and revised guidance on child sexual exploitation in 2013 to facilitate future prosecutions.
Additionally, Starmer claimed that the CPS saw the highest number of child sex abuse prosecutions on record under his leadership.
However, a BBC investigation noted that "the prime minister referred only to the broad category of child sex abuse prosecution data" and that CPS records do not distinguish between sexual abuse perpetrated by gangs and abuse perpetrated by individuals. Offenders can be prosecuted for causing or facilitating sexual exploitation or for committing specific offenses like rape and indecent assault. The broadcaster also found that prosecutions under Starmer peaked at 4,794 between April 2010 and March 2011 but rose to 7,200 per year in 2016-2017, after Starmer left the CPS...<<<Read More>>>...