Criminals will face tougher punishments under Conservative plans to abolish the Sentencing Council and eliminate what they term “two-tier justice.” Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick will unveil the initiative tomorrow, reports BritPanorama.
Jenrick aims to halt “woke judges” from imposing lenient sentences on serious offenders. He will condemn the current justice system as “a two-tier nightmare,” asserting the need for the British public to reclaim control over justice.
The Sentencing Council, established by Labour, currently guides judges in determining the length of prison sentences. Earlier this year, it faced significant backlash after suggesting that judges consider a defendant’s race, religion, or background during sentencing.
This plan provoked considerable anger, prompting ministers to enact emergency legislation to prevent it from being implemented. In response, Labour strengthened its oversight of the council, granting ministers the authority to veto any future sentencing guidelines.
Under the Tory proposals, revealed in Manchester, the scope of these powers would expand, with elected ministers setting sentencing policy instead of appointed quangos. Jenrick stated: “The Sentencing Council is not fit for purpose. Never again can the British people face the prospect of two-tier justice. All too frequently, the law is not applied equally. No more. In future, the Justice Secretary, accountable to Parliament, will be responsible for setting sentencing policy.”
Conservative officials assert that sentencing has become too lenient, even for serious crimes. Current guidelines allow for a maximum of 12 months in prison for assaulting an emergency worker, despite MPs having increased the maximum penalty to two years in 2018.
A Labour spokesperson countered these claims, noting that the Conservatives previously supported proposed changes to pre-sentencing reports when they were announced.
