Richard Burgon MP, Shadow Justice Secretary, responding to the publication of youth custody figures, said:
“The continued increase in the proportion of BAME youths in custody under this Conservative Government is unacceptable.
“Eighteen months after the Young Review recommended action, and the Youth Justice Board also acknowledged the problem, the disproportionate number of BAME youths in detention continues.
“This is a long term trend which the Conservative Government must get to grips with."