Newly Ennobled Labour Peer Campaigned For a Paedophile
Sir Keir Starmer nominated a former adviser for a peerage despite knowing he campaigned for a councillor who had been charged with child sex offences. The Times has more.
Rape case in which teenage boys spared jail 'appalling', PM says
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called the sentences a "disgrace", while Reform's Robert Jenrick said the judge had made a "very bad error".
Sir Keir Starmer has said a rape case in which two teenage boys were spared jail is "appalling" and it's "right that law officers are urgently reviewing the sentences".
Responding to an interview with one of the victims, the prime minister said on social media: "This is a harrowing and brave testimony.
"The girls at the heart of this case have shown extraordinary bravery and strength in heinous circumstances.
"This is an appalling case and it is right that law officers are urgently reviewing the sentences."
Two girls were raped in separate attacks in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, by two 15-year-old boys who were given non-custodial sentences.
The judge said he wanted to "avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily" and gave them youth rehabilitation orders (YRO) and intensive supervision and surveillance (ISS).
The attorney general is reviewing the case and could refer it to the Court of Appeal, who might then choose to change the sentences, if they feel they are unduly lenient.
