The UK government is pushing back against new sentencing guidelines that unfairly discriminate against white men. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signaled that he is willing to change the law if needed after an independent judicial body refused to back down from implementing the new rules.
The controversy surrounds guidelines set to take effect on April 1, which call for judges and magistrates to consider so-called pre-sentence reports before deciding whether to jail offenders from ethnic or religious minorities, young adults, abuse survivors, and pregnant women. The stated goal of the changes is to address bias and reduce reoffending, reports The Guardian.
However, critics, including Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, have condemned the policy, arguing that it creates a “two-tier” sentencing system that treats white men unfairly.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also strongly opposed the move. She called the Sentencing Council’s decision to proceed with the changes “unacceptable” and warned that she is prepared to take legislative action if necessary.
“I have been clear in my view that these guidelines represent differential treatment, under which someone’s outcomes may be influenced by their race, culture, or religion,” Mahmood said. “This is unacceptable and I formally set out my objections to this in a letter to the Sentencing Council last week. I am extremely disappointed by the council’s response. All options are on the table and I will legislate if necessary.” […]
— Read More: humanevents.com
