Sadiq Khan MP, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, commenting on the publication of the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, said:

“The Government talk about a rehabilitation revolution – but the reality is a million miles away from the rhetoric. Re-offending rates are still too high, victims lack confidence in the justice system and our prisons are growing more violent and overcrowded by the week.

“This announcement doesn’t deal with the fact that the Tories have closed down 17 prisons over the last four years contributing to a situation where there are now only a few hundred prison spaces left. David Cameron and his Justice Secretary still seem to have no answers about where criminals will be locked up.

“This Bill will do nothing to punish and reform criminals or improve the confidence of victims and witnesses that justice will be served. Ministers should instead be standing up for innocent victims of crime and bring forward a bill to introduce a victims’ law – as Labour would do.

“This Bill is more about David Cameron’s weakness, pandering to his restless Tory backbenchers than it is about ensuring the justice system delivers for hardworking people. It’s being rushed out ahead of the May elections in order to generate short-term headlines, and shows all the hallmarks of an out of touch Government running out of ideas.”

Ends