Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has labelled the current system's record in preventing reoffending flawed and said that more criminals should serve tough community service sentences rather than being imprisoned at the taxpayers’ expense.
Writing for The Guardian, Clarke said: "In my view, the riots can be seen in part as an outburst of outrageous behaviour by the criminal classes – individuals and families familiar with the justice system, who haven't been changed by their past punishments."
Labour shadow minsters have labelled the call for more community service over imprisonment a money-saving exercise.
Clarke pointed out in his article that that almost three quarters of those convicted of rioting and looting that were aged over 18 had a prior conviction.
In what he called the "legacy of a broken penal system" the Justice Secretary said: "In my view, the riots can be seen in part as an outburst of outrageous behaviour by the criminal classes – individuals and families familiar with the justice system who haven't been changed by their past punishments"
Today the Home Affairs Select Committee will be given evidence from senior Met police officers.
Following the London riots in August more than 1,500 people have appeared in court.
