Sentencing Council Suspends Controversial Guidelines Following Political Pressure

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to introduce emergency legislation today to formally block guidelines criticized for undermining equality before the law.

The Sentencing Council has delayed implementing proposed guidelines requiring pre-sentence reports for offenders from minority and vulnerable groups after intense criticism.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to introduce legislation today to block the guidelines, citing concerns about 'differential treatment' and 'two-tier justice.'
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed disappointment with the Sentencing Council's initial refusal to revise the guidelines and supports the legislative intervention.
Broader reforms to the Sentencing Council, including potentially introducing a ministerial veto or abolishing the council, are under consideration.
The controversy stems from concerns that the guidelines could erode public confidence in the justice system by creating perceived inequalities in sentencing outcomes.