Member

We know that gaps in the data make such disparities harder to understand and therefore tackle; the limitations were highlighted nearly a decade ago by my right hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy) in the Lammy review. That is why we are bringing forward new clause 23 and consequential amendments 35 to 37, which give the new clause effect. It requires an independent review of the court reforms in the Bill, to consider whether the differences in treatment or outcomes experienced by defendants from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds are exacerbated as a result. The Lord Chancellor will appoint an independent reviewer within six months of the first reforms taking effect, and there will be an initial report within 12 months and a full report within five years, which Parliament will have the opportunity to consider and to which the Government will formally respond.