Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

End of Custody Supervised Licence: Extension

08 May 2024 · 10 other contributors

Opened by Edward Argar Con Melton and Syston

Justice & Courts

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Edward Argar raised concerns about end of custody supervised licence: extension in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Protecting the public is a top priority, requiring strict measures to keep serious offenders incarcerated longer.
  • The government is expanding the prison system and working to remove foreign national offenders.
  • ECSL is used only when necessary and is subject to constant review to ensure public safety.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Edward Argar

The Minister emphasised that protecting the public is a top priority, necessitating tough action to keep serious offenders behind bars for longer. He highlighted the government's prison expansion programme and efforts to remove foreign national offenders. ECSL operates only when necessary under constant review to ensure public safety. Only low-level offenders nearing automatic release dates may be eligible. The Prison Service retains discretion to prevent ECSL if higher risk is identified, and strict eligibility criteria exclude those convicted of sexual, terrorist or serious violence offences. Public safety remains the utmost priority with all released individuals subject to probation supervision.

Other contributors (10)
  • Shabana Mahmood Lab Birmingham Ladywood

    Question

    The shadow Secretary criticised the government for releasing prisoners early due to a crisis in the justice system. She highlighted three major extensions within six months and accused the government of secrecy, requesting transparency on basic questions: reasons for extending ECSL to 70 days, number of offenders released since October, measures ensuring probation service can assess risks adequately, and commitment not to extend the scheme further.

    Minister reply

    The Minister defended the transparency of the ECSL introduction, noting Labour's past use of an early release scheme. He highlighted ongoing data publication practices, capacity challenges due to increased custodial sentences and remand populations, and funding increases for probation services since 2021.

  • Bob Neill

    Question

    The Member questioned the transparency of data release, suggesting timely publication could be beneficial. He also highlighted decades of underfunding leading to prison pressures, advocating for a nuanced approach on sentencing and prison use.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledged capacity challenges but noted steps taken such as increasing foreign national offender removals and building almost 6,000 new prison places. He contrasted this with Labour's failure to build the promised Titan prisons.

  • Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham

    Question

    The Member criticised the government for claiming a big prison expansion programme while failing to deliver on commitments like secure schools and addressing court backlogs.

    Minister reply

    The Minister highlighted progress on foreign national offender removals, new prison constructions, and rapid deployment cells. He contrasted this with Labour's failure to build promised Titan prisons.

  • Rob Butler

    Question

    The Member sought more details on improvements for capacity increase, specifically regarding the progress in removing foreign national offenders and expanding prison capacity.

    Minister reply

    The Minister detailed ongoing efforts in foreign national offender removals and new prison constructions, highlighting 16,000 FNOs removed and six new prisons built or planned.

  • Rebecca Long-Bailey Lab Salford

    Question

    Napo has said that the ECSL scheme is an unmitigated failure and represents a risk to public safety. The probation service faces significant challenges without adequate support and resources. Will the Government provide more support?

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledges Napo's work but disagrees with their assessment of the lack of scrutiny for the scheme. He states that there has been extensive parliamentary scrutiny. Additionally, since 2021, there is £155 million in additional investment and a recruitment drive for 4,000 more probation officers.

  • Andy Carter

    Question

    The number of people on remand has increased from 9,000 to 16,500. What measures are being taken to address court backlogs and consider alternative monitoring methods for those on remand?

    Minister reply

    Court investment and sitting days have been increased to reduce backlog. The Bail Information Service is aiding in providing necessary information to courts for decisions on remanding or bailing individuals, and investments in community accommodation services are being made to provide stable addresses.

  • Barry Sheerman

    Question

    The Minister agrees that building prisons does not solve the crisis. How many Queen's Speeches have included a thorough look at justice reform with royal commissions since 2010? Does he agree on radical reforms and extra resources needed from an incoming Labour Government?

    Minister reply

    While agreeing on some points, the Minister disagrees with past Labour performance up to 2010. He highlights rehabilitation efforts in prison through education and employment opportunities, citing measures in the Sentencing Bill for further reform.

  • Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd

    Question

    In light of recent prisoner deaths at HMP Parc and lack of clarity over health ombudsman responsibilities, why has there been no devolution of justice in Wales after 25 years?

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledges the issue but must be cautious about comments until matters are resolved by the coroner and ombudsman. He is willing to discuss with the MP next week during the Welsh Affairs Committee meeting.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    The ECSL scheme was initially designed for short-term early release, yet some releases are now up to 70 days. Why do victims of crime feel anxious about the scheme and its impact on their safety?

    Minister reply

    While recognising the concerns raised by the hon. Member, the Minister emphasises that ECSL protections are more stringent than Labour's scheme when they ran it for three years. Governors can veto release if there is a risk to victims. Conditions such as tagging, exclusion zones, and curfews are placed on released prisoners.

Shadow Comment

Shabana Mahmood

The shadow Secretary criticised the government for releasing prisoners early due to a crisis in the justice system, noting three major extensions of ECSL within six months. She accused the government of secrecy and lack of transparency regarding details about the scheme. The public and House expect transparency from the Minister on basic questions: reasons for extending ECSL to 70 days, number of offenders released since October, measures ensuring probation service can assess risks adequately, and commitment not to extend the scheme further.

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