Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has called for the reversal of proposed sentencing changes that would give greater consideration to an offender’s ethnic or faith background when determining jail sentences. The move follows Conservative accusations that Labour is creating a “two-tier justice system,” favoring minority groups over others in sentencing decisions.
The Sentencing Council’s updated guidelines, set to take effect in April, encourage judges to seek pre-sentence reports before sentencing offenders from ethnic or faith minorities, young adults, abuse survivors, and pregnant women. These reports provide insights into an offender’s background and circumstances, helping courts determine appropriate punishments and rehabilitation measures.
However, Mahmood firmly rejected claims that the changes would lead to preferential treatment, stating, “As someone from an ethnic minority background myself, I do not support any form of differential treatment before the law, for anyone. There will never be a two-tier sentencing approach under my watch.” She confirmed she would formally ask the Sentencing Council to abandon the changes.
For more political updates visit London Pulse News
