Sentencing council rejects minister's call to rethink 'two-tier' justice system

The Sentencing Council in England and Wales has ignited fury by rejecting Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s plea to ditch new guidelines that could favor ethnic minorities in court. Set to launch in April, these rules urge judges to weigh a criminal’s ethnicity, culture, or faith before sentencing, prompting fears of unequal justice.

Mahmood blasted the move, declaring, "I do not stand for any differential treatment before the law," and warned that "someone’s outcomes may be influenced by their race, culture or religion." She insisted, "All options are on the table and I will legislate if necessary," but the independent council stood firm.

Lord Justice William Davis, the council’s chair, defended the changes, claiming they reflect "disparities in sentencing outcomes" and equip judges with "more information" about offenders. Yet, shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick slammed it as "blatant bias, particularly against Christians, and against straight white men," warning of a "two-tier" system that’s "very corrosive to public trust."

Downing Street echoed Mahmood’s resolve, stating "all options remain on the table," including legislation, as critics decry a justice system risking division over fairness.