A statement from YJB Chief Executive Steph Roberts-Bibby, and
Keith Fraser, Chair of the YJB, welcoming Rt Hon MP as Deputy Prime Minister,
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.
“We warmly welcome the appointment of the Rt Hon MP as Deputy Prime Minister,
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.
“David Lammy has a long record of championing fairness, equality,
and the welfare of children. His leadership of the landmark Lammy
Review provided a clear focus on addressing disproportionality
across the justice system and has shaped much of the debate about
how justice can be made fairer and more effective.
“The Youth Justice Board shares these ambitions. Our mission is
to ensure children are treated fairly, supported to fulfil their
potential, and diverted from pathways that lead to future
offending which can cause harm to themselves and others. We know
that tackling disproportionality is central to this mission and
to delivering safer communities.
“The Minister's earlier advocacy for a public health response to
serious offending by children remains as crucial today as it has
ever been, and we have always endorsed his consistent support to
adequately resource services that provide protection for children
at risk of entering the justice system.
“At a time when there is both challenge and opportunity in the
justice system, we look forward to working with the Lord
Chancellor to build on this important legacy and provide the
independent evidence-based advice that can shape outcomes for
children, victims and communities. By drawing on the voices of
children and their victims, the evidence of what works, and the
strengths of local practice, we can continue to make progress in
reducing disproportionality, strengthening prevention, and
tackling serious offending by children, ensuring communities
become safer and reducing victims.
“We look forward to a strong and constructive partnership in the
months ahead.”
