The first duty of any government is to keep people safe. That’s why last week we set out a package of reforms across the justice system to protect the public, reduce reoffending and deliver for victims.
At the heart of our plans is a commitment to keep the worst offenders behind bars for longer.
Through the Sentencing Bill, rapists can expect to spend their whole prison term behind bars.
And for the most horrific murders, which involve sexual or sadistic conduct, we are creating an expectation for judges to hand down whole-life orders, so life really will mean life.
We will also bring in a presumption for the courts to suspend short prison sentences of 12 months or less. Instead, offenders will face robust punishment in the community, repaying their debt alongside measures to tackle the root causes of crime.
There is no doubt, however, that those who pose a danger to society must be locked up for as long as it is necessary. I know that for many victims of domestic violence or stalking, putting their abusers behind bars for short sentences can provide crucial time and space to allow them to rebuild their lives.
And so, under our proposals, women will continue to be steadfastly protected.
In cases where criminals pose a significant risk of causing psychological or physical harm or have breached a court order, judges will retain full discretion to send them to prison immediately. This will mean cowardly abusers will continue to face the very real prospect of time in prison.
Taken together with the other measures in our Bill to ensure the worst offenders spend longer behind bars, I am sending a clear message that this Government is firmly on the side of victims.
Alex Chalk is the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.
