Legal News

The Prime Minister has asked Tottenham MP David Lammy to investigate evidence of possible bias against black defendants and other ethnic minorities.

David Cameron said that “difficult questions” needed to be asked as to whether the criminal justice system and courts treat people differently “based on race”.

David Lammy will lead the review and will report back to the government in Spring 2017.

With a significant over-representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) individuals in the criminal justice system, the review will consider their treatment and outcomes, to identify and help tackle potential bias or prejudice.

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“If you’re black, you’re more likely to be in a prison cell than studying at a top university.

“And if you’re black, it seems you’re more likely to be sentenced to custody for a crime than if you’re white.

“We should investigate why this is and how we can end this possible discrimination – that’s why I have asked David Lammy MP to lead a review of the over-representation of defendants from black and ethnic minority backgrounds in the criminal justice system, and this will include examining possible sentencing and prosecutorial disparity.”

Mr Lammy said:

“I’ve been working in this area for almost two decades and am very pleased to accept the Prime Minister’s invitation to lead this comprehensive, independent review across our criminal justice system.

“With over a quarter of the prison population coming from a BAME background, the urgency here is clear.

“I look forward to leading a team that will evaluate what works in the UK, draw on lessons from abroad – and listen to a broad range of voices from the justice system and our BAME communities.”

Currently, BAME individuals make up over one-quarter of prisoners – compared with 14% of the wider population of England and Wales.

Latest figures also show that 24% of Crown Court defendants come from a BAME background – and those who are found guilty are more likely to receive custodial sentences (61%) compared with offenders who are Caucasian (56%).

The Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Michael Gove MP, said:

“An effective justice system depends on procedural fairness – equality of treatment at every stage in the criminal justice process is essential.

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