UK Government Cancels Controversial 'Two-Tier' Sentencing Plan

The UK government has scrapped a controversial "two-tier" sentencing system intended to address disparities in justice for ethnic minorities, women, and other groups, after facing backlash and threats of legislative action from Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The Sentencing Council had planned to implement guidelines requiring judges to request pre-sentence reports for certain offenders, sparking criticism that it would lead to discrimination against white men. Following a standoff, the Council announced the suspension of these guidelines just before they were set to take effect. Mahmood's government is now working on emergency legislation to effectively nullify the Sentencing Council's guidance, with discussions ongoing about broader reforms to the Council's authority. Critics labeled the approach of the Sentencing Council as “cack-handed,” arguing it fails to adequately address the perception of bias in sentencing. The government aims to introduce the new legislation quickly, although a specific timeline remains uncertain.