UK government accelerates rollout of specialist rape and sex offence teams to all police forces by 2027

The UK government has announced that specialist rape and sexual offence investigation teams will be introduced to every police force in England and Wales by the end of 2027, 18 months earlier than originally planned. The scheme, previously announced by the government, is part of efforts to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG). Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the previous plans were 'too slow' and ministers should be 'laser focused' on tackling such crimes. The Home Office also announced up to 10 police forces will share a £13.3m fund to boost teams managing protection orders, which can include electronic monitoring and exclusion zones. The charity Refuge welcomed the measures but said they represent only a small portion of what is needed. The announcement comes amid pressure on the prime minister over the early release scheme for prisoners, with a review expected next week.