Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of abolishing prison sentences of six months and less.

We are clear that sentencing must match the severity of the crime, and public protection is our priority. Custody should only be used as a last resort and community sentences will continue to be an important part of punishing and rehabilitating offenders.

In the Queen’s speech in December, the Government announced plans to introduce new sentencing laws. Ahead of any legislation, we intend to canvass proposals in a White Paper. This will contain proposals for community penalties that offer an appropriate level of punishment, while tackling the underlying drivers of re-offending.