Sir Keir Starmer refuses to change law preventing Southport killer from getting life sentence

PM's Office Stands Firm

SIR Keir Starmer won’t change a law stopping the Southport killer from being given a lifetime sentence, according to No10. Despite public outcry, a spokesperson for the PM said the issue is "not something we are looking at."

UN Rules Cited as Barrier

It came to light that UN rules on the rights of a child are what prevented Axel Rudakabana from being sentenced to life in prison. The foreign-imposed convention prohibits countries from imposing life sentences on individuals under the age of 18. As Rudakabana was 17 at the time of the crime, he was only sentenced to 52 years in prison.

International Law Respect

Sir Keir Starmer and his Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer have faced criticism for their commitment to "respect" international law. This allegiance to foreign courts has influenced decisions such as the abandonment of the Rwanda deportation plan and the reversal of a block on compensation for Gerry Adams.

Call for Legal Reform

Cabinet Minister John Healey and Tory Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick have hinted at the need to revisit the foreign rules that limit sentencing options for under-18s. There are calls for amending the law to allow judicial discretion in awarding whole life sentences to young offenders.

Death Penalty Reinstatement Denied

Downing Street also confirmed that Sir Keir has no intentions of reinstating the death penalty, following calls from some MPs for its return in the aftermath of the Southport incident.