Blair calls for rebalancing of criminal justice system

Published on 24/06/2006 01:09

THE Prime Minister yesterday called for a rebalancing of the criminal justice system in favour of what he termed "the decent law-abiding majority".

Tony Blair said that what was needed was not just new laws, but a "complete change of mindset" within the legal establishment.

It was time to assert that the civil liberties and human rights of law-abiding people take precedence over those involved in crime and anti-social behaviour, he said.

In a high-profile speech in Bristol, he accused the political and legal establishment of being "in denial" over the extent of the gap between public expectations of the system and what it delivers.

But Tories and Liberal Democrats said that, after nine years in power, Mr Blair could not shirk his own government's responsibility for the failings of the criminal justice system.

The shadow home secretary, David Davis, said: "Tony Blair claims that everyone is in denial - but he fails to recognise that it is he and his own government that have failed."