Campaigners call for removal of ‘discriminatory’ clauses from Police and Crime Bill

The Alliance for Youth Justice, Agenda and the Revolving Doors Agency are among a raft of charities and campaign organisations who claim parts of the new Bill discriminate against people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) as well as Roma, Gypsy and Traveller communities.

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Such clauses include increasing the maximum sentence for assaulting emergency workers from 12 months to two years, the criminalisation of trespass and new police powers for encampments, the increased use of diversionary schemes and community cautions and mandatory minimum sentences for crimes including knife offences and repeat drug trafficking.

In an extensive report calling for the clauses to be removed, the coalition highlights that “black, Asian and minority ethnic children make up more than half of all children in custody, and they are more likely to be sent to prison to await trial and receive harsher sentences than white children.”

It states that the Bill “will only deepen this inequality”, adding: “There are some welcome proposals which could help reduce racial inequality, such as reforming criminal record rules and measures aimed at reducing the number of children sent to prison to await trial.

“However, the positive potential of these provisions sits aside the wider changes that will sweep an increasing number of black, Asian and minority ethnic people into the criminal justice system for ever-increasing periods of their lives.”

The group is also calling for the removal of a clause which reduces the minimum age a person is able to receive a life sentence from 21 to 18.

“Black children specifically face more severe court sentences, with differences in court assessments of black children appearing to contribute to harsher outcomes,” the report states.

Clauses relating to harsher sentences for violent and sexual crimes, changes to early release and licensing orders and serious violence reductions orders are also being questioned by the group.

It is also urging government to consult with BAME groups, voluntary sector organisations and other interested parties to “make the necessary changes to avoid further discrimination”.

In a statement, published alongside a public petition on the call for change, the group said: “The cumulative impact of recent policy and legislative changes on BAME communities must be considered, particularly in light of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, where the failure to acknowledge and mitigate the negative experiences of BAME communities have exacerbated feelings of mistrust.”