The ConservativeHome half-day conference series continued on 27th February with our Crime & Justice Conference.
The conference included a keynote speech from the Lord Chancellor & Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Chalk KC MP; plus panel discussions featuring government ministers and sector leaders. The event explored the challenges facing our justice system; from court backlogs and victim safeguarding to prison overcrowding and reducing reoffending.
Panel 1: Transforming Justice: from courts to victims – This panel will delve into the pressing need for reform within our legal system, focusing on solutions to address the court backlog while ensuring the rights and support of victims are at the forefront. We will explore innovative strategies to prevent miscarriages of justice, balancing the necessity for swift proceedings with the imperative of fairness and due process This panel is sponsored by Astraea Linskills. Confirmed speakers:
Mike Freer MP – Minister for Courts & Legal Services
Laura Farris MP – Minister for Victims & Safeguarding
Sir Robert Buckland KC MP – former Lord Chancellor & Secretary of State for Justice
Chair: William Atkinson – Assistant Editor, ConservativeHome
Panel 2: Smarter Sentencing: how can we streamline prisons and reduce reoffending? – This panel will explore ways to transform sentencing, including through the government’s Sentencing Bill, with a focus on reducing reoffending and easing prison overcrowding. The discussion will encompass a holistic view of the criminal justice system, considering the roles of prisons, parole, and probation in achieving rehabilitative justice. We will discuss how to implement effective, evidence-based sentencing strategies that not only uphold justice but also contribute to safer communities and more efficient correctional systems. Confirmed speakers:
Gareth Bacon MP – Minister for Sentencing
Ed Argar MP – Minister for Prisons, Parole & Probation
George Grant – Chairman, Tempus Novo
Penelope Gibbs – Director, Transform Justice
Chair: Lisa Townsend – Police & Crime Commissioner for Surrey & ConservativeHome Columnist
Keynote: Alex Chalk KC MP – Lord Chancellor & Secretary of State for Justice.
Followed by Q&A, chaired by Angus Parsad-Wyatt, Chief Executive, ConservativeHome.