David Gauke’s independent sentencing review has been published today, setting out proposals to transform sentencing policy. The review endorses policy ideas put forward by the Bar Council, including increasing the threshold for suspended sentences from two to three years and greater use of community sentences and creative punishment.
In response, Bar Council Chair Barbara Mills KC said: “The government must act on these proposed reforms. For years, the main parties have used sentencing as a political football in the hope of appearing ‘tough on crime’, fortifying the false narrative that the longer the sentence, the better justice is served. Sentences have increased and we now have the highest incarceration rate in western Europe, yet crime and reoffending rates continue to go up. We deserve a system which makes society a better, safer place.
“Now is the time to be bold. Many of these recommendations reflect the radical proposals we put forward in our submission and will help address the root causes for offending and reoffending. Our sentencing regime should both punish and rehabilitate, ensuring offenders don’t become better criminals, but better citizens. Prison should ultimately be reserved for those from whom society needs protecting.
“In light of these and the upcoming Leveson review recommendations, it’s essential the justice system receives a substantial injection of investment in the spending review to bring about real change. That means funding throughout the process, from the police right through the courts to the prison and probation service. The current crisis facing the criminal justice system must come to an end.”
Read the Bar Council press release and submission to the review