Political reporter Kate Whannel has reported that Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has raised concerns over the Sentencing Council’s new guidance on imprisonment decisions. The upcoming changes in England and Wales would consider an offender’s ethnicity or faith more prominently when determining whether to incarcerate them. While ministers lack the authority to overturn this guidance, Mahmood has expressed her intent to review the council’s powers and potentially introduce legislation if deemed necessary.
In response to the new rules, Conservative shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick criticized them as being “anti-white” and “anti-Christian,” arguing that they create a system of “two-tier justice.” He even threatened to challenge the guidelines in court if the government does not take action. The Sentencing Council defended the guidance, stating that it aims to provide courts with comprehensive information to deliver appropriate sentences and address disparities within the criminal justice system. Official statistics reveal that offenders from ethnic minorities consistently receive longer sentences compared to white offenders for similar offenses.
Mahmood conveyed her disapproval of the changes to Lord Justice William Davis, emphasizing her commitment to equality before the law irrespective of ethnic background. She also announced a review of the Sentencing Council’s role and powers in conjunction with an existing sentencing review led by former Tory minister David Gauke. Additionally, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed concerns about the new sentencing guidance, particularly regarding the increased emphasis on pre-sentence reports for judges.
The revised guidelines recommend obtaining pre-sentence reports for individuals from ethnic or faith minorities, as well as other specific groups like young adults, abuse survivors, and pregnant women. Despite the scrutiny, the Sentencing Council defended the changes, highlighting the necessity to address disproportionate outcomes in sentencing based on ethnicity. The controversy surrounding the guidance has sparked debate among political leaders, with differing opinions on whether the proposed changes should proceed as planned
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
