Ethnic minority suspects are being given priority for bail under 'two-tier justice' guidelines

Transgender and ethnic minority people are being given priority for bail under new guidelines drawn up by the Ministry of Justice. It sets out 'key criteria' for identifying 'priority defendant cohorts' which includes women, pregnancy or maternity, young adults aged 18 to 25, people with mental health conditions, and those deemed as 'vulnerable'. An emergency law is expected to be pushed through the Commons today in a desperate attempt to stop 'two-tier' justice Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is seeking to 'surgically block' the Sentencing council guidelines which give minorities special treatment in the courts. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood speaking during the official opening of HMP Millsike - the new Category C jail in Yorkshire -- March 27, 2025 Earlier this month the council published principles for courts to follow when imposing community and custodial sentences, including whether or not to suspend jail time. The 85-page policy titled 'Probation Court Services Police Framework' sets out 'key criteria' for identifying 'priority defendant cohorts' It includes women, pregnancy or maternity, young adults aged 18 to 25, people with mental health conditions, and those deemed as 'vulnerable' Ms Mahmood being given a tour during the official opening of HMP Millsike - the new Category C jail in Yorkshire -- March 27, 2025 The Prime Minister said: 'The Lord Chancellor is obviously continuing to engage on this, and we're considering our response.