Government’s sentencing plan sparks outrage

The Criminal Bar Association has condemned the Government’s proposal to double the maximum jail sentences magistrates can impose, labelling it “a knee-jerk reaction” that will exacerbate the overcrowding crisis in prisons. Mary Prior KC, chairwoman of the association, stated: “This will simply make things worse,” stressing the need for a collaborative approach rather than hasty measures. The Government aims to expedite trials and reduce the number of prisoners held on remand, but critics argue that this will only increase the pressure on already strained prison resources.