Robert Jenrick Vows to Overhaul Sentencing Council Amid "Two-Tier Justice" Claims
Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, has pledged to abolish the Sentencing Council and grant ministers greater control over sentencing guidelines. This announcement came during the Conservative Party conference on Tuesday, where Jenrick argued that the current system leads to a "two-tier nightmare" in the justice system.
Jenrick's Critique of the Sentencing Council
Jenrick contends that the Sentencing Council, a non-departmental public body that sets sentencing guidelines for courts in England and Wales, has undermined the "will of Parliament." He accuses the council of "watering down" sentences by recommending jail terms that fall short of the maximum allowed by law, thus creating disparities in sentencing.
“All too frequently the law is not applied equally," Jenrick is expected to say. "No more - every single person in this country must be treated exactly the same, regardless of their background. The public are sick of voting for tougher sentences and getting the opposite."
Proposed Changes and Government Response
Under the proposed changes, a Conservative government would introduce new legislation to give the justice secretary the power to issue sentencing guidelines. This move aims to ensure that sentencing policy aligns more closely with the government's agenda and addresses what Jenrick sees as a bias in the judiciary.
The announcement follows a previous dispute between the Sentencing Council and the government regarding pre-sentence reports for offenders from certain minority groups. The government previously blocked updated guidance from the council and began reviewing its role.
Political Context and Reactions
Jenrick's announcement occurred during the Conservative Party conference, amid questions about the party's polling difficulties and the leadership of Kemi Badenoch. While Badenoch has faced scrutiny, Jenrick has publicly supported her, stating his expectation that she will lead the party into the next general election.
A Labour Party spokesperson criticized the Conservatives for "rank hypocrisy," arguing that they had previously supported similar changes to pre-sentencing reports. They called Jenrick's announcement a "cynical gimmick."
Addressing Pro-Migration Bias
In addition to abolishing the Sentencing Council, Jenrick also pledged to crack down on "pro-migration bias" in the judiciary by removing lawyers involved in "political activism," such as campaigning for open borders. This statement aligns with his broader stance on law and order, where he advocates for stricter penalties, including coming down on "scumbags that shoplift and burgle" like a "ton of bricks".
Jenrick stated, "I believe in the broken window theory of policing - if you allow so-called low-level crime it will only spiral."
