Appearing on Sky News debate, Rehman supported the firm sentences imposed by judges on those involved in the recent riots and related incidents.
Rehman said it was absolutely right that if you commit a crime you should pay the price and he argued that the sentences were right and proper. This is because they would reassure public confidence in our legal system and act as a public deterrence. Rehman also argued that we must respect the independence of our judiciary, who have taken the all factors into account when passing judgement.
In addition, Rehman said that in exceptional circumstances such as these, and to restore public confidence, judges can depart from sentencing guidelines. If anyone is unhappy then they can take this up with the Court of Appeal who will in all probability consider some of these sentences in due course and issue any guidance that is necessary.