Conservatives promise to scrap Sentencing Council

Conservatives pledge to abolish Sentencing Council, allowing ministers to issue sentencing guidelines in England and Wales. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick criticizes the council as "not fit for purpose," proposing ministerial control to address disparities in court decisions. Dispute arose earlier this year over sentencing guidelines for certain minority groups, prompting government intervention and plans to grant justice secretary veto powers over new guidance. Conservatives aim to eliminate the Sentencing Council entirely, emphasizing parliamentary oversight of sentencing policy.