Sentencing Bill

Calvin Bailey Excerpts

Committee of the whole House
Tuesday 21st October 2025 Commons Chamber

I agree that victim protection must be at the heart of all decisions made in the justice system, and I am glad that while the Bill introduces a presumption to suspend short custodial sentences of 12 months or less. This is simply a presumption, which means that judges will always have the option and the power to send dangerous offenders or prolific lawbreakers to prison. Furthermore, the presumption will not apply where an offender has breached a court order—including in the case of any violence against women or girls—or a related protective order, where the offender has reoffended in breach of a previous suspended sentence, where the prisoner poses a significant risk of physical or psychological harm to an individual or where there is a clear risk to public safety.

[Mr Calvin Bailey (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)]

My hon. Friend is making a powerful point about amendment 36. It is imperative that when we look at improving the system as a whole, we understand the pressures that we are placing on our courts, including Snaresbrook criminal court in my constituency. Does he agree that it is imperative that this should be a facet of all the changes we hope to bring about?

[Warinder Juss]

I have visited Snaresbrook Crown court and I understand exactly what my hon. Friend is saying. He makes a valid point. The pressures on our courts system and our prison system are all interlinked.

It is important that victims get the justice they deserve, that the courts are able to deliver it and that offender rehabilitation does not come at the cost of victim confidence. However, we must recognise that short-term prison sentences all too often do not work and instead merely cause disruption to people’s lives and kick-start a cycle of reoffending. Where the courts believe that justice is better served through community rehabilitation, we must empower them to do put that in place. Amendment 36 would require judges also to consider whether a community sentence was better than a prison sentence or a suspended prison sentence.

I am proud to support this Bill because it centres on victims and allows them the protection and dignity that they deserve. The Bill and the amendment will also allow those on trial a proper consideration for rehabilitation and an opportunity to make amends and have a better life. I urge Members to support clause 1, to support amendment 36 and to support the Bill. It is a vital and crucial step forward for our courts, our prisons and our communities, and for a fair justice system that works for all.