Is the government’s push to increase prison sentences ‘easy headlines’ or meaningful reform?

Photograph: Robert Buckland QC is heavily criticised for suggesting ban on naming suspects of ‘good character’ before charge

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he government has announced a “radical sentencing overhaul” that it says will help protect the public and stop criminals reoffending.

But the evidence for its claims is under scrutiny, after the past decade saw crime rise and prosecutions fall to a record low despite waves of laws increasing jail terms.

The new sentencing white paper contains a range of eye-catching proposals, from forcing sexual and violent offenders to spend longer in jail, allowing whole life orders for younger criminals and GPS tagging released burglars.