England: Legislation to block new sentencing guidelines introduced

The UK government will work with Parliament to fast-track the Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Bill, which will clarify that guidance relating to sentencing reports should not single out specific cohorts for differential treatment when it comes to ordering pre-sentencing reports, which help judges make decisions on sentencing.

This follows formal objections raised by the lord chancellor to the Sentencing Council regarding sections of the guidelines due to come into effect on 1 April.

Ms Mahmood said: “These guidelines create a justice system where outcomes could be influenced by race, culture or religion. This differential treatment is unacceptable – equality before the law is the backbone of public confidence in our justice system.

“I will change the law to ensure fairness for all in our courts, and I’m grateful to the Sentencing Council for delaying implementation while Parliament considers the bill.”