Labour MP Charlotte Nichols has disclosed that she was raped after attending an event as a member of parliament, and waited 1,088 days for her case to reach court. Speaking in the House of Commons, she said the delay and subsequent abuse on social media left her with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her alleged attacker was acquitted in a criminal trial, but a compensation order was made following a successful civil process, which she said recognised her as a blameless victim.
Nichols was speaking during a debate on the courts and tribunals bill, which proposes limiting jury trials in certain cases. She opposed the changes, arguing that the government should instead focus on creating specialist rape courts to address delays. She accused Justice Secretary David Lammy of using rape victims as a 'cudgel' to drive through reforms, stating that the transition away from jury trials could further strain an already overstretched system.
Nichols said she wanted to share her story to prevent her experience from being 'weaponised' for rhetorical purposes. She called for greater safeguards for those giving evidence and a reframing of the legal status of victims as witnesses in their own trials. Stella Creasy, Labour MP for Walthamstow, praised Nichols for her strength and expressed solidarity from the chamber.
