Rape sentencing etc being discussed on PMQs now

[ElephantsAndMiasmas]

Justice Secretary made some stupid remarks this morning, apparently.

Not terribly convinced by KC's attempts to defend himself on Question Time - he has clearly been kicked up the arse by Tory HQ and keeps saying he 'phrased his comments badly' but doesn't apologise for his references to 'proper' and 'serious rape' 'with an unwilling woman' (not to mention his incorrect language re underage sex).

Sigh. Not impressed. But in most ways he is one of the more reasonable Tories so I would have mixed feelings if he was chucked out and replaced with a swivel-eyed rightist.

Celadon - gosh, glad it wasn't just me then!

Just watching QT now: she may well rescue herself but, 10 minutes in, I'm bitterly disappointed with Shami's response. She is/was a lawyer, was she not? And therefore might be reliably expected to know that UK law does not recognise date rape. And that Ken Clarke should know this given that he was an MP when they discussed changing rape classifications. And that's just for starters.

Yes - Shami, while she summed up what KC should have said pretty neatly, and clearly gets the issues, certainly didn't put the boot in as she could have done. I am guessing this is part of a wider game, and that she's trying not to antagonise KC because she wants leverage on civil liberties issues.

Politics, eh? Fortunately Melanie Phillips reverted to type by saying that we should never, ever give money to developing countries.

I had a very wobbly moment when I thought I was poised to agree with Melanie Phillips, but luckily she's just started ranting about the 'disgrace' that is our overseas aid programme. Phew!

That's a good piece, thanks celadron. I'm going to put the link on the DSK thread too if you don't mind.

Great article, thanks for that