Member

Before closing, I will add three points. First, there is general admiration in the House and, I suggest, across the criminal justice community, for the work of the Sentencing Council. I pay tribute to the noble and learned Lord, Lord Burnett, for his great contribution to the council’s work. The Sentencing Council very impressively fulfils its role in advising judges on sentencing, promoting sentencing consistency, which is fundamental to fairness, and developing sound, evidence-based principles for well-informed and effective sentencing for the future. This unfortunate row—for row it has been—culminating in the Bill, has done the Sentencing Council and, I suggest, the community, a large disservice. I hope the Government will make clear their commitment to the Sentencing Council and its work through their response to these amendments.