Garnier signals criminal justice rethink

The Conservative Party is ditching hard-line attitudes on tackling crime, according to shadow home affairs minister Edward Garnier.

He told a fringe meeting, organised by Community Care and the Barrow Cadbury Trust, that Labour’s get tough approach was failing.

Garnier, who is a judge, was speaking at a meeting focusing on offending by 18- to 24-year-olds, a group often neglected by services.

“Increasing sentences for these young people is not effective in reducing crime,” he said. “It makes the public feel protected, but it is a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

● Edward Garnier will answer your questions about the criminal justice system online.  Send your questions to clare.jerrom@rbi.co.uk