Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Imprisonment for Public Protection Sentences

Tuesday 27 June 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The number of IPP offenders in custody has fallen from 6,000 in 2012 to 2,916 by the end of March 2023.
  • The Government are committed to helping IPP offenders progress through their sentences under a revised IPP action plan.
  • The role of the Parole Board and the probation service is vital, and the Government welcome the Justice Committee's recent report as an important opportunity to take stock.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Justice & Courts
Context

The number of IPP offenders has fallen from 6,000 in 2012 to 2,916 at the end of March this year. Many have been recalled after release.

Question

What assessment he has made of the impact of imprisonment for public protection sentences on the criminal justice system?

Answer from Damian Hinds

The number of IPP offenders in custody has fallen from 6,000 in 2012 to 2,916 at the end of March this year. That includes 1,561 who had been released but were then recalled. The Government are committed to helping IPP offenders to progress through their sentences, under the revised IPP action plan published in April, and towards safe release.

Answered
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Q2 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Justice & Courts
Context

Danny Weatherson, convicted at age 17 with a recommended term of 15 months, has only just been granted parole after 17 years due to the under-resourced justice system.

Question

Does the Minister agree that discussions on reform should take place on a cross-party basis, with the voices of victims and justice campaigners heard, and that a functioning probation system is a prerequisite?

Answer from Damian Hinds

The role of the Parole Board and the probation service is vital, and the Parole Board regularly looks at cases. The Government welcome the Justice Committee's recent report as an important opportunity to take stock.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreement on cross-party reform discussions and prioritizing a functional probation system

How: Welcoming The Committee'S Report, Acknowledging The Parole Board'S Role

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