MPs demand answers on joint enterprise

She said:

Research by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies suggests that the doctrine of Joint Enterprise is routinely applied in a racist way, leading to many, many miscarriages of justice. But assessing why joint enterprise disproportionately targets ethnic minority communities especially young Black men is only the first step – what’s needed is urgent action. Can the Minister tell us exactly what he is doing to right historic wrongs and prevent future miscarriages of justice due to joint enterprise?

Thank you @KateOsamor for continuing to challenge the government on the racist application of joint enterprise rules in parliament today, and for highlighting our research in this area pic.twitter.com/mJaR9hD3w6

— Centre for Crime and Justice Studies (@CrimeandJustice) January 10, 2023

The question follows our report, The Usual Suspects, published last year, which found that half of all those convicted of homicide in cases involving four or more defendants were from black and minority ethnic communities.

This evidence of racial discrimination is one the government appeared to acknowledge late last year.

The government has invited Kate Osamor to meet to discuss the issue in more detail.

John Cryer MP also asked the government to clarify what it will do to address concerns on joint enterprise.

Also yesterday in parliament, @JohnCryerMP pressed the government on whether it will actively assess the disproportionate impact of joint enterprise prosecutions on black people.

You can make your own mind up whether the government is serious about doing this. pic.twitter.com/V9T27tMNn4

— Centre for Crime and Justice Studies (@CrimeandJustice) January 11, 2023

Helen Mills, Head of Programmes said:

Our research demonstrated the lack of meaningful change in the use of joint enterprise to date, despite clear evidence about its racist application. It is important that MPs continue to challenge the government on this issue, and demand answers and meaningful action.