The Sentencing Council has rejected the justice secretary's request to change guidance suggesting judges consider a criminal's ethnicity when deciding punishment. The updated guidance, due in April, states that a pre-sentence report is "usually necessary" for those from ethnic, cultural, or faith minorities, as well as other groups like young adults and pregnant women. Keir Starmer expressed disappointment over the decision, and Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick warned it could erode public trust in the justice system. Justice Secretary Ms. Mahmood, who opposed the change, said the guidance represented “differential treatment” and may legislate if needed.