BAME People in Criminal Justice System
2021-02-10
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a concern about the high representation of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals within the UK's criminal justice system.
What recent discussions has she had with the Justice Secretary on the disproportionate number of BAME people in the criminal justice system?
Tackling race disparity in the criminal justice system remains a priority for all Ministers in my Department. We have a broad programme of work to address the issue, including work on the collection of data and the implementation of policies that tackle disproportionality, together with scrutiny and oversight. The criminal justice system race and ethnicity board reviews the progress of this work.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify any recent discussions or concrete commitments beyond acknowledging the issue as a priority.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is zero representation from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds among Supreme Court judges. This lack of diversity impacts public confidence in the criminal justice system.
A lack of diversity in the judiciary is something that should concern the Government. It is deeply troubling, as it is one of the major reasons that all communities, including black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, lack confidence in the criminal justice system. There are currently zero Supreme Court judges who are from black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds. Steps need to be taken to fix the justice system so that it is fair and equal for everyone. Will the Government introduce a clear target for a representative judiciary, as called for in the Lammy review?
The hon. Member raises an important issue in relation to diversity in the judiciary, and it is important to ensure that women and black and ethnic minorities come through the system as lawyers. Indeed, there are a lot of women coming through the system, but we need to improve that as well. From 2014 to 2019, there have been some small improvements in judicial diversity. The proportion of women judges increased from 24% to 32% in the courts and from 43% to 46% in tribunals, and the proportion of BAME judges increased from 6% to 7% in the courts and from 9% to 11% in tribunals, but we need to do more work. The judiciary is independent, and I know that it is very concerned about this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to introducing a clear target for judicial diversity despite acknowledging the issue.
Response accuracy