Robert Jenrick’s proposal to eliminate the Sentencing Council has been strongly criticized as a “cynical ploy.” The Shadow Justice Secretary is accused of further eroding the independence of the judiciary by aiming to transfer more authority to politicians.

During a speech at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester on Tuesday, Jenrick is set to criticize the Sentencing Council for diluting sentences and advocate for a shift of power to ministers. He is expected to outline plans to give ministers control over sentencing policy.

The move comes amidst consistent criticism from Jenrick against what he perceives as activist judges injecting their political beliefs into court proceedings. The Labour Party condemned the announcement as evidence of hypocrisy, blaming the Tories for damaging the justice system over their 14-year tenure.

A comprehensive review of sentencing revealed that the Tories’ gradual increase in prison sentences, coupled with a failure to expand prison capacities, has led to overcrowded prisons. Labour lambasted the Conservatives for neglecting the prison system, resulting in overflowing prisons, overwhelmed courts, and eroded public trust in the justice system.

Critics argue that Jenrick’s actions undermine judicial independence for personal gain. The government recently tightened control over the Sentencing Council following a dispute over unequal justice. Ministers have prohibited the independent body from issuing guidelines to judges.

In his upcoming speech, Jenrick will emphasize the need for uniform treatment of all individuals, regardless of background, to prevent a two-tier justice system. The President of the Law Society of England and Wales, Richard Atkinson, emphasized the importance of sentencing guidelines in ensuring consistency while allowing judges discretion to tailor sentences to specific cases within the legal framework.

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