During today’s Urgent Question in the House of Commons, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Member of Parliament for Solihull West & Shirley and a former barrister, challenged the Government over its failure to conduct an impact assessment relating to its decision to impose a 28-day cap on sentences for recalled offenders.
Addressing the Justice Minister, Dr Shastri-Hurst asked:
Has the Minister's department done an impact assessment on this policy? If so, will they release that to the House as soon as possible?
And if not, can the Lord Chancellor confirm how she knows how this policy will impact upon victims and the wider public?
The response from the Government offered little reassurance, merely stating:
We are always alert to assessing how the policies apply to the wider public and victims, and that is absolutely important on the case.
Speaking following the exchange, Dr Shastri-Hurst remarked:
This was a deeply unsatisfactory answer from the Government. It is alarming that there appears to be no published impact assessment. Policies affecting public safety and the justice system must be guided by evidence and transparency. The absence of an assessment raises serious concerns about how victims and communities will be protected.
As a member of the House of Commons Justice Select Committee, Dr Shastri-Hurst has raised serious concerns about the SDS40 Early Release Scheme introduced last summer. During the Committee’s session on Tuesday 13th May, he questioned senior justice officials on the Scheme’s impact on public safety, reoffending rates, and the wider criminal justice system.
Dr Shastri-Hurst continues to hold the Government to account and advocate for victims and the integrity of the justice system.
