US style murder charges in the UK today?

The proposed changes will introduce a three-tier system like that commonly seen by the British public on various American court dramas and sitcoms. There will be first-degree murder (mandatory life sentence), second degree murder (discretionary sentence) and manslaughter (with a maximum sentence of life).
The current law in the UK has been criticised for being unclear and lacking clarity in some cases and it is suggested that a three tier system will create a more easily understandable system as the seriousness of each case will be taken into account. However former Met Police Commissioner Lord Blair spoke on BBC Radio 4 and voiced his concern regarding explaining the differences between each tier to the public. The British public know the current system and many may not see any reason for change, holding opinions along the lines of ‘all murder is murder’ so why take into account the seriousness?
But how will these changes be brought in? The Law Commission recommended reform of homicide law six years ago and as yet no fundamental changes have been made to the system. It is unlikely that an overnight change of the law will happen and the government are planning a step by step change process. Will this lead to further confusion before we see the light at the end of the tunnel? And how long will it be before we can see the fruits of these proposals and learn whether change to the US system was the correct move for UK law? Only time will tell. These proposals have now been backed by two DPP’s; Barbara Mills QC and today by Keir Starmer QC.
Andrew Parker reckons that there will not be sufficient time or backing in parliament for this necessary and long overdue reform.