Member

As I said before, we are following the lead of the previous, Conservative, Government, who originally introduced this measure. The evidence shows that those given a community order or suspended sentence reoffend less than similar offenders given a short prison sentence. That is the key driver behind the presumption to suspend short sentences, and that is why it must continue to apply to sentences of 12 months or less. I agree with the noble Baroness, Lady Hamwee, that, given the clear evidence on short sentences, the Government should not introduce further exemptions. To do so would increase reoffending and create more victims. I do not think any Member of your Lordships’ House would wish to see that.