Labour wants to SLASH prison sentences under six months for all but sexual and violent crimes – and instead send criminals to work in the community
- Labour said in its manifesto that it will place emphasis on community sentences
- It said official government data showed thousands of crimes could be prevented
- Party has also promised to boost prison officer and police officer numbers
A Labour government would reduce the number of short prison sentences handed out and instead place an emphasis on rehabilitating criminals in the community, Jeremy Corbyn announced today.
The Labour leader’s 2019 general election manifesto contains a pledge to introduce a presumption against jailing criminals for six months or less for certain crimes.
Offenders guilty of less serious non-violent and non-sexual offences would instead be given community sentences.
The party said official Ministry of Justice data showed that ‘tens of thousands’ of crimes could be avoided by taking such an approach because it would reduce the rate of re-offending.
Jeremy Corbyn today unveiled his party’s 2019 general election manifesto at an event in Birmingham
Meanwhile, a Labour government would also restore prison officer numbers back to 2010 levels and phase out the ‘dangerous lone working’ of prison staff.
The policy offer on improving justice was accompanied by a series of other law and order-focused measures set out in Mr Corbyn’s blueprint for the nation.
Labour has vowed to recruit 2,000 more frontline police officers than the Conservatives have promised.
The party has also pledged to reverse cuts to legal aid and to the courts as well as promising to recruit hundreds of new so-called community lawyers as part of a bid to improve access to justice.
On the pledge to reduce the number of short sentence being handed out, the manifesto states: ‘The Ministry of Justice’s own evidence shows tens of thousands of crimes could be prevented if robust community sentences replace short prison sentences.
‘We will set new standards for community sentences and introduce a presumption against prison sentences of six months or less for non-violent and non-sexual offences.’
Labour has also proposed a ‘joined-up approach’ with criminal justice agencies, education authorities and health services working together alongside the establishment of ‘violence-reduction units’ to ensure vulnerable people are supported.
In addition, a Labour government would halt court closures and cuts to staff, and undertake a review of the courts reform programme.
Mr Corbyn also said his party will ‘facilitate a more representative judiciary’ and review funding for the Crown Prosecution Service.