Overview

• Speaking at the Conservative conference, Robert Jenrick said ministers would set sentencing policy in England and Wales, replacing the judge‑led Sentencing Council.
• Jenrick also proposed abolishing the Judicial Appointments Commission, expanding Judicial Conduct Investigations Office powers, and creating a judicial register of interests.
• He said he has identified about 30–35 judges he labels activist and pledged to remove those who engage in political campaigning such as backing open borders.
• Legal figures and former Conservative ministers condemned the proposals as unworkable and risky, warning of politicised justice and greater pressure on already overcrowded prisons.
• Labour called the move hypocritical, noting the suspended Council advice on pre‑sentence reports already faces a ministerial veto introduced by the government.