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Prison complaints hit record high
The prison system is facing unprecedented challenges, with complaints to the ombudsman reaching 4,575 in the year ending March 2024, the highest in over a decade. Complaints regarding staff behaviour surged by 30% compared to the previous nine years, highlighting significant issues within the system. HM chief inspector Charlie Taylor said: “The training for British…
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Attorney-General faces backlash over legal advice
The Attorney-General, Lord Hermer KC, is under fire from cabinet ministers for implementing changes to legal advice protocols that have allegedly resulted in a “freeze on government”. Ministers claim that Hermer’s stringent guidance on legal risks has delayed policy-making, as he prioritises the assessment of potential legal challenges. A source remarked, “He seems to think…
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Law firms opt against four-day week
Christopher Clark, director at recruiter Definitum Search, notes that while there are large numbers of lawyers working a four-days week, the challenge for this “comes at partner level, where they will still be responsive to clients needs and can end up working a number of hours on their ‘non-working” day.” With many larger firms urging…
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Majority back death penalty
According to a recent poll by More in Common, a significant majority of Britons support the reintroduction of the death penalty. The survey indicates that support has risen from 50% to 55% since 2023, especially for crimes like serial murder and terrorism, where approval jumps to 70%. Despite this public sentiment, Prime Minister Sir Keir…
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Justice review could ease prison woes
Former Justice Secretary David Gauke is expected to recommend an increase in community orders as part of his sentencing review, aiming to reduce short jail sentences. This shift could place additional strain on the already overstretched probation service and the NHS. Dame Antonia Romeo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, commented: “Do we understand…
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Prevent scheme under fire after Southport tragedy
The Prevent programme has come under intense scrutiny following the case of Axel Rudakubana, who killed three children in Southport. Despite being referred multiple times to the scheme, Mr Rudakubana was deemed “in no danger of being radicalised” and was allowed to walk free. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “I am clear that urgent reforms…
