Robert Jenrick has warned Britons they face "two-tier justice under two-tier Keir" if Labour refuses to back his bill on sentencing guidelines.
The Shadow Justice Minister is pushing for new legislation that would give the Government powers to block or rewrite sentencing guidelines.
Speaking on GB News, Jenrick criticised Labour for not supporting his proposed bill, which aims to prevent what he describes as "unfair, two-tier guidelines".
The controversy centres on new guidelines from the Sentencing Council that would advise judges to increase their focus on offenders from ethnic minority backgrounds before deciding punishments.
Robert Jenrick warned Britons they face 'two-tier justice under two-tier Keir'
GB NEWS / PA
The guidelines, set to take effect in April, have been criticised for potentially creating a "two-tier" justice system.
The Sentencing Council is independent but sponsored by the government.
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Robert Jenrick joined Stephen Dixon and Ellie Costello on GB News
GB NEWS
Critics argue the changes would lead to differential treatment before the law based on personal characteristics.
Jenrick claimed the guidelines would create unequal treatment in the justice system based on personal characteristics.
"If you're a man, if you're white, if you're a Christian, you're going to get different treatment under our criminal system if you are an ethnic minority or a minority faith group, if you are transgender," he told GB News.
He argued this approach is "wrong" and "the opposite of equality under the law".
Shabana MahmoodPAJenrick's proposed bill would give the Government explicit powers to block or rewrite sentencing guidelines it considers unfair.
He urged Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to back his bill, saying it would "guarantee us these guidelines will never come into force".
The Shadow Justice Minister claimed Mahmood was "asleep at the wheel" until he raised the issue in the House of Commons last week.
His bill represents a direct challenge to the Sentencing Council's independence.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has criticised the guidelines and stated she would not tolerate "differential treatment before the law".
She held a "constructive meeting" with Sentencing Council leaders on Thursday and will "set out her position more fully" in a letter.
Mahmood has even suggested she would pass a new law to overrule the council if necessary.
The Sentencing Council has agreed to "consider" her letter before the guidelines come into effect.
The Sentencing Council initially pushed back against complaints, stating ministers from both main parties had known about the plans since 2022.
Lord Justice Davis, the council's chair, said the new guidance aimed to correct disparities that lead to ethnic minorities receiving longer sentences on average.
Without intervention, the guidelines will come into effect in April - just 18 days away according to Jenrick.
A review of the council's role and powers is also planned alongside an existing sentencing review.
