Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill
Debate between Baroness Scott of Bybrook and Lord Marks of Henley-on-ThamesWednesday 12th January 2022
(2 years, 3 months ago)
Lords ChamberRead Full debate Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 View all Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 Debates Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts Amendment Paper: HL Bill 72-V Fifth marshalled list for Report - (10 Jan 2022)
Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)
I am sorry, but the Minister had already sat down. We can only take a question if it is very short.
Lord Marks of Henley-on-Thames (LD)
My Lords, in those circumstances I think that it is for me to respond. I do not know whether the Minister wishes to respond to any question—although there has not really been a question.
Royal Commission on Criminal Justice
Debate between Baroness Scott of Bybrook and Lord Marks of Henley-on-Thames
Lord Marks of Henley-on-Thames (LD) [V]
My Lords, members of BAME communities are currently treated disproportionately at every stage of our criminal justice process—stop and search, arrest, charging decisions, trial and sentence. In appointing the chair and considering the commission’s membership and its terms of reference, will the Government ensure that we have a commission that is utterly dedicated to tackling all these inequalities?
Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)
My Lords, the Government are committed to implementing a broad programme of work to address racial inequalities in the criminal justice system. If the royal commission is to advance the justice system, it must advance it to all users. This includes ensuring that its deliberations are alert to the experiences of minority groups, including BAME people, and issues of equitable access and equitable experience.