Caroline Nokes calls rape allegations against MP 'absolutely horrific'

Romsey and Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes, chair of the women and equalities committee, spoke to BBC Radio 4's Women's Hour about the allegations.

It comes after it was reported that Sir Jake Berry, former Conservative Party chairman, wrote to police about concerns allegations of rape made against an MP were not handled properly, allowing them to “continue to offend”.

Ms Nokes said: “It's absolutely horrific and there are a bunch of questions that instantly spring to mind. Why is Jake Berry only writing to the police about it after he has left his post as chairman of the party? 

‘It’s horrific… I do know who is being talked about’

A Conservative MP has been accused of rape several times. Conservative MP and chair of the Women and Equalities Committee @carolinenokes spoke to @emmabarnett after deputy PM Oliver Dowden denied a cover-up ⬇️

— BBC Woman's Hour (@BBCWomansHour) November 6, 2023

“Why and what help has there been to the victim who suddenly found themselves featuring in a book. Was there any support given to her ahead of publication so that she could have at least had some warning that this was coming out.

“Why on earth, when somebody comes with a complaint that is this serious - this is rape that is being alleged, it's not a minor indiscretion, it's not inappropriate language, it's rape - why on earth when that complaint is made either to the party chairman or to the party whips, is that victim not being taken straight away to the police? 

“I do know who is being talked about, however there will be many others in Westminster who don't, and certainly my phone was buzzing with people asking me who it is. I'm not going to divulge that but I am deeply concerned that no action was taken, effectively enabling a perpetrator to continue to offend.”