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A black or Asian defendant is more likely to be sent to prison than a white person facing the same charge, shocking figures reveal.

David Cameron ordered a review after ­learning ethnic minorities account for a quarter of inmates in the UK, despite making up just 14 per cent of the population.

And 61 per cent of blacks or Asians will be sent to prison for a crime only 56 per cent of white people are jailed for.

The Prime Minister said: “If you’re black, you’re more likely to be in prison than studying at a top ­university.

“And if you’re black, it seems you’re more likely to be sentenced to custody for a crime than if you’re white.

(Image: PA)

“We should investigate why this is and how we can end this possible discrimination.”

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The PM has tasked Tottenham Labour MP David Lammy with investigating the ­criminal justice system to see if racism is to blame for the inequality in the prison population.

Mr Lammy, chairman of the All Party Group on Race, said: “The ­urgency is clear. I’ve been working in this area for almost two decades and am very pleased to accept the PM’s invitation.”

(Image: Getty)

The former Health Minister will also ­examine how ethnic minority offenders are treated in other countries.

Mr Lammy added: “I look forward to evaluating what works in the UK and drawing on lessons from abroad.”

Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who will provide staff for the inquiry, said: “An effective justice system depends on procedural fairness.

“Equality of treatment at every stage is essential.”