Member

Let me say to Reform Members that this new clause is a good illustration of the fact that it is not enough just to be unhappy with the status quo; we need a proper plan to address it. Their new clause 24 would abolish the Sentencing Council, but provides for nothing to replace its functions. If we cannot issue sentencing guidelines, victims have no realistic basis against which to challenge shorter sentences. New offences could be introduced without any way for the courts to understand the expectations in respect of sentences.