UK Sentencing Council Defies Government on 'Two-Tier' Justice Measures

The UK government is facing significant backlash after the Sentencing Council confirmed it would implement new guidelines that allow judges to consider an offender's ethnicity, culture, and gender when determining sentences. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed disappointment over this 'two-tier' justice system, stating that all options, including emergency legislation, are on the table to address the situation. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood criticized the guidelines as unacceptable and potentially harmful to public confidence in the judiciary, warning that she may push for legislative changes. The Sentencing Council, however, has rejected calls to revise the guidelines, asserting that they are necessary to ensure fairness in sentencing. This controversy has sparked fierce debate across the political spectrum, with both Labour and Conservative leaders condemning the perceived preferential treatment for certain groups. As the new rules take effect, the government is under pressure to respond effectively to the growing concerns regarding equity in the justice system.