Tory frontbencher Robert Jenrick is facing backlash after claiming new sentencing guidelines discriminate against “straight, white men.”
Speaking to Sky News, Jenrick accused the independent Sentencing Council of creating a “two-tier justice system” that would be “corrosive to public trust.” He argued that the changes amount to “blatant bias,” particularly against Christians and white men.
What’s Actually Changing?
The Sentencing Council, which provides guidelines for courts in England and Wales, has introduced a new rule taking effect in April. It suggests pre-sentence reports should be considered necessary for certain offenders, helping judges make more informed decisions.
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The goal? To reduce disadvantages in the justice system, where government data shows ethnic minorities often receive longer sentences than others for the same crimes.
Legal experts and politicians were quick to hit back. Labour peer and KC Helena Kennedy dismissed Jenrick’s claims, calling them “Trumpism” creeping into UK politics.
She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:
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“All the evidence shows that the justice system disproportionately disadvantages certain sections of society—ethnic minorities, women, and young people. Courts knowing more about them is a good thing.”
She also criticised Conservative attempts to frame this as a “woke” issue, saying:
“This is about basing the system on real evidence where there are failures, and knowing more helps get better outcomes.”
Human rights barrister and Labour peer Baroness Kennedy supports the new guidelines from the Sentencing Council and accuses Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick of 'introducing Trumpism' into the UK justice system.#R4Today
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood also weighed in, making it clear that no Labour government would allow “differential treatment before the law.”
She acknowledged concerns over the guidelines and said she had written to the Sentencing Council to express her opposition.
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Tories Push for More Control
Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for Labour to change the law so the government can override the Sentencing Council.
She posted on social media:
“Ministers should decide, not quangos. Labour needs to grip this.”
The Bigger Picture
This debate isn’t just about sentencing rules—it’s about how the Tories position themselves ahead of the next election. With Jenrick’s comments sparking accusations of “dog-whistle politics,” the battle over justice reform looks set to continue.
