The Conservatives, led by shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, have announced plans to abolish the Sentencing Council, aiming to shift control of sentencing policy directly to ministers. This move raises concerns about the potential for political influence over judicial decisions, which could undermine the independence of the legal system. It's a significant development that could reshape how justice is administered in the UK.

The Conservative plan to dismantle the judge-led Sentencing Council has sparked significant backlash from former Tory ministers, who label the move as 'bonkers' and 'potentially dangerous.' This proposal, which aims to transfer the Council's powers to the Ministry of Justice, raises concerns about the independence of judicial guidelines and the potential impact on fair sentencing practices. Critics argue that such a shift could undermine the integrity of the legal system, making it a crucial issue for public discourse and legal professionals alike.