The tragedy in Southport last week which shook the nation should not have been a trigger for the racist violence that followed. The CJA strongly condemn these actions and we stand in solidarity with our members who work with and support Muslim and migrant communities, who have been left feeling threatened and targeted for carrying out their vital work.
For our criminal justice system, there will be multiple challenges. Politicians need to review and reject the ‘two tier’ policing assertions which are designed to perpetuate racism. The prison system will face an influx of individuals at a time when the system is under unparalleled stress. The probation service must adequately administer the early release scheme which begins in September to address chronic prison overcrowding.
The Prime Minister said that justice will be swift. Beyond that, there needs to be a wider, long-term plan to tackle the root causes of this violence and hatred in our society- one that places education, poverty and inequality reduction, and uniting communities at its core. We must ensure that the media plays its role in combatting the societal structures that gave rise to this hostile environment.
Engagement and the involvement of civil society organisations like the CJA and our members will be critical in forging long-term solutions to this crisis.
We stand by and offer our support to our members in these difficult moments and look forward to working with the Government to meet these urgent challenges.