Response to report: Young Black People and the Criminal Justice System
18 October 2007
Government's response published today to Home Affairs Select Committee's report of 15 June 2007.
The Government today publishes its response to the Home Affairs Select Committee Report: Young Black People and the Criminal Justice System.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Jack Straw said:
"I welcome this thoughtful and comprehensive report by the Committee. As our response, published today, makes clear, the Government remains wholly committed to ensuring that all young people are afforded every possible chance in life and the ability to fulfil their potential. We welcome the Committee's contribution to the process of constant evaluation of our policies in this important area.
"A range of initiatives are already in place to tackle the issues identified in the report. For example, 'Aiming High' is improving the prospects and aspirations of young people; proposals to tackle guns and gangs in problem neighbourhoods were announced recently; and funding is made available for voluntary organisations, including those who are able to reach out to young people in their own neighbourhoods.
"We will continue to work with colleagues across Government, the third sector and in local communities to help ensure that young Black people get the support they need to make positive contributions to our society.
"Not least with the MacPherson Enquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence we have learnt a lot over the last ten years but there is still a great deal of work to be done and no room for complacency. We now have a clearer understanding of the challenges and are better equipped to take effective action than ever before and are committed to doing so."
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:
"This report highlights many of the issues that are important to help identify and address the over representation of young black people in the Criminal Justice System.
"We are committed to helping all young people fulfil their potential and preventing them getting into trouble. Our new Crime Strategy, which we published in July, includes a renewed focus on young people. We will work with the police service and other partners to develop a youth crime strategy aimed at both young victims and young offenders.
"We also recently announced a renewed drive to tackle guns and gangs in four cities across the country which suffer the majority of related problems. We want to better understand why some young people join gangs and go on to become involved in more serious knife and gun crime.
"We are working vigorously to increase representation and build confidence and in the CJS among black and minority ethnic communities, but we recognise that there is more to do and we look forward to building on our progress."
In detailed responses to each of the committee's recommendations, today's report describes work already underway across Government to tackle the issues highlighted, and signals its commitment to build on this progress.
Notes to Editors:
Contact press office
Newsdesk: 020 3334 3536
(Mon - Fri: 07:00 to 20:00)