Justice Secretary Challenges Sentencing Guidelines for Minority Offenders

Shabana Mahmood criticizes new guidance favoring minority offenders, threatening legal action and potential legislative changes.

The Sentencing Council issued new guidelines advising judges to consider the background of minority offenders when determining sentences, effective April 1.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has strongly opposed the guidance, arguing it undermines the principle of equal treatment under the law.
Mahmood has demanded an urgent meeting with the Sentencing Council and is considering legislative changes to reverse the policy.
The guidelines were influenced by the 2017 Lammy Review, which highlighted racial disparities in the criminal justice system and recommended greater use of pre-sentence reports.
Critics, including Conservative leaders, claim the guidance creates a 'two-tier' justice system, with accusations of bias against white male and Christian offenders.