This week, the Sentencing Council, facilitated by the Justice Committee, hosted an event with MPs and peers to highlight the work of the Council, talk about sentencing more generally and discuss any issues of concern to them or to their constituents.

The event at Portcullis House, Westminster, was attended by a variety of ministers, MPs and Lords including Attorney General Jeremy Wright, Solicitor General Robert Buckland, Minister of State for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims Mike Penning, Lord Faulks, Minister of State for Justice and former Lord Chief Justice Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers.

Following short presentations, attendees had the opportunity to speak to Council members including the chairman, Lord Justice Treacy. Engaging with parliament is very important to the Council. There are established and close ties with the Justice Committee and the Ministry of Justice, but the Council is keen to be accessible to MPs and Lords. Not only does this give the opportunity to highlight the role of the Council and how it fits into the wider criminal justice system, but to address any concerns or clarify particular issues.

The Council wishes to extend its thanks to Sir Alan Beith, chair of the Justice Committee for his assistance with this event and to all those who attended.

Photographs from the event are available here.