by political editor Paul Francis

pfrancis@thekmgroup.co.uk

Maidstone and Weald MP Helen Grant has spoken out against plans that could see suspects and defendants in rape cases granted anonymity.

The MP warned it risked hampering serious criminal investigations and could allow suspected rapists to avoid detection.

She also said that it could reinforce erroneous myths about false reporting of rape claims.

The issue has become a sensitive one for the coalition government, which has set out its proposal to change the law to grant rape suspects and defendants anonymity.

Those making accusations of rape have the right to anonymity under existing legislation.

The move has triggered divisions among MPs and has come under fire from campaign groups representing rape victims.

Ms Grant said she had serious concerns about extending anonymity.

"It could hamper serious police investigations, allowing serial offenders to avoid detection. You only have to look at the case of [taxi driver] John Worboys, where the publication of his identity led to scores of other victims coming forward with evidence that ultimately led to his prosecution. Do we really want to cases like that to be stifled?"

She added: "I am extremely concerned that it will reinforce harmful and erroneous myths about false reporting. There is no reliable empirical evidence that there is a prevalence of false reporting in rape cases. This would send out a very clear message to women that they are not to be believed.

"There are cases where there is injustice but I do not feel that granting anonymity is the solution. If there are no other offences, including murder and child pornography, where the subject's identity is shielded, then why pick on rape?"

But fellow Conservative MP Rehman Chishti supports anonymity for suspects.

The Gillingham and Rainham MP addressed the issue in his Maiden speech recently. He said: "The effect on those falsely accused of serious sexual offences by the publication of their names and the revelation of their identities in the media can have long-term and far-reaching disastrous unintended consequences."