MERSEYSIDE Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell has today welcomed the Government’s landmark Sentencing Bill.

Introduced in Parliament today (2 September 2025), the legislation is a key part of the Government’s Plan for Change, focused on ending the prison crisis inherited by the previous government and preventing the collapse of the justice system.

Emily Spurrell said:- “I welcome the introduction of the Sentencing Bill as a bold and evidence-led step towards a more effective and balanced justice system. Shifting away from short custodial sentences – repeatedly shown to be ineffective at reducing reoffending - is a positive move that reflects the findings of the recent Gauke Review and recognises the severe pressures facing our prison system. This Bill rightly prioritises rehabilitation, placing greater emphasis on community sentences which evidence shows are more effective in tackling the root causes of low-level offending, helping to prevent reoffending. Critically, this shift excludes serious offences, such as domestic abuse, where it is essential judges retain the power to impose prison sentences to protect victims and ensures offenders are appropriately punished.

“I particularly welcome the increased investment in probation services, which will be vital to the success of this reform. However, this transition must be carefully monitored to ensure that community-based alternatives are properly resourced and deliver the outcomes we expect. The Bill also makes important strides in strengthening victims’ rights - ensuring domestic abuse is recognised at sentencing, empowering judges to compel offenders to attend hearings, and expanding the Victims’ Commissioner’s role. These changes send a clear message:- victims are at the heart of our justice system. At the same time, we must not lose sight of the need for accountability. Enhanced powers for courts to impose prohibition orders and restriction zones, the increase in tagging, and the ending of automatic release for badly-behaved offenders, will help maintain public confidence. This is welcome and necessary reform—and with the right oversight and investment, it has the potential to deliver a safer, fairer justice system for all.”

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said:- “Last year, the criminal justice system was on the verge of collapse. Since being elected, the Government has worked rapidly to repair the damage, starting with investing £7 billion in 14,000 more prison places as part of our Plan for Change. A historic increase in tagging and record investment into probation will make our streets safer. And this Sentencing Bill will ensure that our prisons never run out of space again, we can always lock up dangerous offenders, and that punishment cuts crime rather than creating better criminals.”