Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the new guidance published by the Sentencing Council on public confidence in the criminal justice system.

This Government’s position is clear – we are seeking to remove the unequal treatment before the law in these guidelines.

We asked the Council to reconsider their guidelines in the first instance – and they have now agreed to put these guidelines on pause. We are grateful for their constructive engagement on this issue.

On 01 April, we introduced legislation to address the specific issue with these guidelines and we will work with the House to fast-track it.

We will also consider a broader review of the Sentencing Council’s role and powers over the coming months. It is right that we take time to consider more fundamental reforms such as this.