Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Sentencing Reform

Tuesday 18 May 2021 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department introduced the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to make punishments tougher for serious offenders.
  • Judges are legally required to explain the effects and reasons of sentences clearly.
  • The government aims to label antisocial behavior as criminality and considers flexible community orders for young offenders.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marco Longhi
Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from the need for reform in sentencing policies to address public concerns about crime and punishment.

Question

What steps is the Department taking to reform sentencing?

Answer from Robert Buckland

On 9 March we introduced the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which will deliver on our manifesto commitments to make punishments tougher for serious offenders and introduce more effective community sentences. Work is also under way on non-legislative reforms set out in my White Paper last year.

Answered
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Q2 Rob Butler
Justice & Courts
Context

The question is prompted by a need to ensure the public's trust in the justice system, particularly regarding judges' explanations of sentence aims.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that judges explaining their sentences clearly can increase public confidence? Also, does he support increasing sentencers' confidence through pre-sentence reports?

Answer from Robert Buckland

By law the court must explain sentence effects and reasons clearly. The pre-sentence report pilot aims to increase sentencers' confidence that their determinations will improve offender outcomes and reduce reoffending.

Answered
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Q3 Marco Longhi
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
Context

Sedgley has experienced gang-related antisocial behaviour, prompting concerns about how to handle such incidents.

Question

Will the government refrain from describing this type of activity as low-level antisocial behaviour? Will they consider prosecuting and sentencing meaningfully and engage with colleagues across Departments for young people's schemes?

Answer from Robert Buckland

We should label the behaviour as criminality. We have flexible community orders for children involving parents and carers. Alternatives include restorative action and early interventions to prevent justice system involvement.

Answered
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Q4 David Lammy Lab Tottenham
Women & Equalities
Context

The Government's manifesto promises to do right by victims, but the opposition feels it has fallen short in addressing sexual crimes.

Question

Will the Secretary of State work cross-party to implement Labour's Bill on ending violence against women and girls?

Answer from Robert Buckland

We have passed landmark domestic abuse legislation, work tirelessly in the fight against violence against women and girls. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill presents a chance for Labour to join us but they voted it down.

Not addressed: Commitment to working with Labour on their Bill

How: Voting Record Of The Opposition

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Q5 David Lammy Lab Tottenham
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

A distressing case involving the online ridicule of a rape victim highlights the need for stronger legislation against such acts.

Question

Will he implement Labour's proposals for tougher sentences for those who name and shame victims of sexual offences?

Answer from Robert Buckland

We are making preparations to see what can be done to improve and strengthen the law in this area. We will do whatever it takes to help stamp out the criminal act of naming victims.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to implementing Labour's proposals specifically

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