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Shabana Mahmood says the government has inherited record backlogs in the country’s crown courts, which has left prisons close to overflowing.
But she praised the ability of the justice system to “rise to the challenge” and sentence rioters – such as John O’Malley, 43, and William Nelson Morgan, 69, whose sentencing hearings at Liverpool Crown Court were broadcasted – within days.
Violent protests erupted across Britain last week after three girls were killed in a knife attack in Southport, northwest England.
The murders were seized on by anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim groups as misinformation spread that the suspected attacker was an immigrant and a radical Islamist.
Writing for the Observer, Ms Mahmood said the “swiftness of our courts” has been essential in bringing rioters to justice in the last week.
She said more than 100 people are currently in prisons on remand awaiting trial or sentence for their part in the rioting.
Ms Mahmood, who is the MP for Birmingham Ladywood, said: “Within the Ministry of Justice, we have moved fast to ensure there is a prison cell waiting for all those sent into custody by the courts. That has seen us bring forward more than 500 prison places, with our staff working through day and night to do so.
“Rising to this challenge has been made harder by doing so within the justice system we inherited from the Conservatives.
“Because of their failure, we have record crown court backlogs. We were left with prisons so close to overflowing that we had no choice but to release some prisoners – those serving sentences that are not seriously violent or sexual in nature – a few weeks or months early.
“The impact of these days of disorder will be felt for months and years to come. They make the job of rebuilding the justice system harder.”
It came as the Local Government Association said the government needs to make use of local figures in areas where there has been rioting.
LGA chair Louise Gittins said: “Councils know their local places best and the government and other agencies need to ensure they make use of local figures who can help calm community tensions. Local government representation at cabinet office briefing rooms is vital in ensuring a quick and effective response on key issues, making the most of local government intelligence, experience and expertise.
“It is also critical that we act on the longer-term issues of rebuilding and community cohesion.
“Adequate government funding for cohesion initiatives is essential, particularly in the most disadvantaged areas where historical factors are leading further unrest. Building community cohesion requires a long-term strategic approach, and councils have struggled to fund preventative measures that might make a real difference amid ongoing funding pressures.
“We also need to see greater investment in young people and funding for diversionary activities for young people who in some incidents appear to be encouraged by older or non-local agitators.”
