David Blunkett’s mea culpa on indefinite sentences won’t wash | Letters
David Blunkett’s mea culpa on indefinite sentences won’t wash The Guardian
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Article Rewrite: Imprisonment for Public Protection Sentences
In this report, we will discuss the issue of imprisonment for public protection sentences and its implications on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The article by Simon Hattenstone focuses on David Blunkett’s recent acknowledgement of the flaws in these sentences and the lack of resources for rehabilitation programs (Martin Myers tried and failed to steal a cigarette. Why has he spent 18 years in prison for it?, 1 May).
Background
Blunkett, who served as home secretary, admits that the necessary resources were not available to provide “offending behaviour” courses for individuals on indeterminate sentences. However, this knowledge should have been present in 2003 when he held the position.
The implementation of imprisonment for public protection sentences was part of a broader authoritarian approach adopted by the Blair government. Between 1995 and 2009, the prison population in the UK increased by 66%. Labour’s 2001 general election manifesto emphasized their commitment to comprehensive criminal justice reform, aiming to address persistent offenders and enhance rehabilitation.
Financial Implications
From 1997 to 2007, the UK spent approximately £187 billion on criminal justice (source). Blunkett’s attempt to portray the introduction of imprisonment for public protection sentences without adequate resources as an innocent mistake is misleading. The Labour government consciously chose to prioritize being tough on crime over addressing the root causes of criminal behavior.
Political Outlook
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, has recently pledged that Labour will be tough on crime and grant additional powers to the police (source). This repetition of previous approaches raises concerns about the potential disregard for the SDGs and the need for a more holistic and sustainable approach to criminal justice.
Public Response
- I was almost speechless when reading about the latest tragic story of people caught up in the discredited and inhumane imprisonment for public protection sentences. The lack of humanity in implementing this law is deeply problematic. Logic, empathy, and sensible governance have been overshadowed by a focus on talking tough and targeting the most vulnerable individuals. – Gillian Kelly, Ironbridge, Shropshire
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all | Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels | Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres | Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The issues highlighted in the article are related to the criminal justice system, the treatment of prisoners, and the need for effective and accountable institutions. These issues align with SDG 16, which aims to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
The article discusses the flaws in the criminal justice system, particularly the imprisonment for public protection sentences (IPPs) and the lack of resources for providing offending behavior courses. These issues highlight the need to promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all (Target 16.3) and to develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions (Target 16.6).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms
Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators related to SDG 16. However, Indicator 16.3.1 can be used to measure progress towards ensuring equal access to justice by assessing the proportion of victims of violence who report their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms. Indicator 16.6.2 can measure progress towards developing effective institutions by evaluating the proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all | Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels | Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres | Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months |
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Fuente: theguardian.com
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