The Conservative government has announced a series of stringent new law and order policies, including a review of early release schemes and longer sentences for violent and sexual offenders. The measures, unveiled by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel, are widely seen as preparations for a potential autumn general election.
In a move that marks a departure from the more liberal justice approach under Michael Gove, Johnson insisted that punishments must “truly fit the crime.” The review will examine allowing prisoners with fixed sentences to be released on licence only after serving a greater proportion of their term. Additional funding of £85 million has been allocated to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Police will also gain greater freedom to use stop-and-search powers under Section 60, a tactic that has been controversial due to its disproportionate impact on black and minority ethnic communities. A Home Office study from Johnson’s time as London mayor found no evidence that increased use of stop and search reduced crime. However, Police Minister Kit Malthouse argued that body-worn cameras would help ensure the powers are used professionally.
Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott criticised the approach, calling it “a tried and tested recipe for unrest, not violence reduction.” She said the government is choosing to “appear tough instead of dealing with the root causes of crime.”
The package also includes plans for a new prison in Yorkshire and refurbishment to create 10,000 additional prison places in England and Wales, building on previously announced prisons in Wellingborough and Glen Parva. The Ministry of Justice expects 3,360 new spaces to be available by 2023.
