Justice for Simon Hughes

As someone who has consistently opposed the decision of the Lib Dems to go into coalition with the Tories, there have been very few bright spots over the last three and a half years. But the appointment of Simon Hughes as a justice minister yesterday was definitely one of them. I am also delighted at the appointment of Tom McNally as chair of the Youth Justice Board, a body I know he has been instrumental in preserving.
 
As friends and colleagues in the youth sector will agree, Simon Hughes has been a consistent supporter of young people and those who work with them. Now he has the opportunity, which I trust he will take, to seek to progress many of those policies on youth justice included in the Lib Dem Youth Justice Policy, Taking Responsibility. As chair of the working group that produced it I am obviously passionate about the policies it advocates, not least raising the age of criminal responsibility – a long overdue reform in this country.  

With the MoJ proposing that young offenders should mix with the general prison population with not even a cursory consideration of the evidence, Simon would do well to make one of his first priorities meeting with the excellent T2A (Transition to Adulthood) and reflecting on their response to the MoJ consultation. As Liberal Democrats, our policy supports their call for a longer transition period for young adults from 18 to 25 as well as a recognition that many young people who end up in prison often have mental health issues, learning difficulties or a history of abuse.

I trust too that he will use this platform to acknowledge the vital role the youth service has in diverting young people from crime. The cuts to services across the country remove what is often an important alternative for those young people drawn to gangs and crime.
 
One thing I can say for certain, he will be a rare creature in government, someone who really listens and genuinely cares. For all of us connected to the sector he will be an important voice for the multitude of vulnerable young people who all too often remain voiceless. I for one will be making the most of the opportunity and perhaps bending his ear a tad more than usual!

Linda Jack is a member of the Parliamentary Policy Committee for Education, Young People and Families, and former member of the Federal Policy Committee