Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Sentences of Imprisonment for Public Protection

Thursday 30 March 2023 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Jessica Morden asked the Minister about discussions with the Secretary of State for Justice on the effectiveness of ongoing sentences of imprisonment for public protection.
  • The Minister confirmed that the Attorney General and she meet regularly with the Secretary of State for Justice to discuss various issues, including legal matters.
  • Jessica Morden raised concerns about the mental health of individuals serving Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences who have not had their sentences retrospectively abolished.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP inquires about discussions regarding the effectiveness of ongoing IPP sentences.

Question

What discussions has she had with the Secretary of State for Justice on the effectiveness of ongoing sentences of imprisonment for public protection?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

The Attorney General and I meet the Secretary of State for Justice regularly and discuss numerous issues. Where they touch on legal issues and advice, the hon. Lady will know, and will have heard the Attorney General clearly set out, that the Law Officers' convention applies.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The effectiveness of ongoing IPP sentences was not directly addressed.

How: Law Officers' Convention

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Q2 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Justice & Courts Mental Health
Context

A constituent's son is serving an IPP sentence since before the abolition in 2012, causing uncertainty and mental health concerns.

Question

Imprisonment for public protection sentences were abolished in 2012 but not retrospectively. A constituent whose son serves such a sentence has expressed concern about his mental health deteriorating. Can the Minister commit to working to reach a consensus on how best to address these long-standing IPP cases?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

The hon. Lady raises a very serious point, and I am grateful to her. IPP sentences were first introduced in 2003, and she is right that they were abolished in 2012 but not retrospectively. Further reforms were introduced last year, but those in prison on IPP sentences have not been assessed as safe for release. However, I will put her in touch with the Prisons Minister to discuss this further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment or concrete action towards addressing long-standing IPP cases was lacking.

How: Further Reforms Were Introduced Last Year

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