Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme

Thursday 12 September 2024 · 4 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ellie Chowns inquired about extending the unduly lenient sentence scheme to cover unduly severe sentences.
  • The Solicitor General noted that appeals for unduly severe sentences can be made to the Court of Appeal.
  • Jeremy Wright welcomed the Solicitor General and inquired about considering new offences under the unduly lenient sentencing scheme.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ellie Chowns Green North Herefordshire
Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from the concern that some sentences, particularly those related to peaceful protest and climate action, may be unduly severe. The UN special rapporteur has raised concerns about these sentences.

Question

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the unduly lenient sentence scheme to include unduly severe sentences. Since 4 July, more than 40 people have been jailed for peaceful acts of conscience; some protested climate breakdown and others took measures to stop violations in Gaza. The UN special rapporteur states that these sentences violate international law and are not acceptable in a democracy.

Answer from Sarah Sackman

Decisions to prosecute, convict and sentence are made independently by the Crown Prosecution Service, juries, and judges. If someone believes their sentence is unduly excessive, they can appeal to the Court of Appeal.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific ask for guidance to ensure sentencing aligns with democratic principles and international law.

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Q2 Ellie Chowns Green North Herefordshire
Justice & Courts
Context

The question stems from the case of Oliver Campbell, whose conviction for murder was quashed by the Court of Appeal after 33 years. The Criminal Cases Review Commission was involved in this case.

Question

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Government have pledged to undertake a review of sentencing generally. I wonder whether I can tempt the Solicitor General to support a wider review of aspects of the criminal justice system that do not seem to be working, in particular the role of the Criminal Cases Review Commission and the CPS in dealing with potential miscarriages of justice.

Answer from Sarah Sackman

First, I welcome my hon. Friend and congratulate him on his election as Chair of the Justice Committee. He is right that we will be undertaking a review of sentencing. On miscarriages of justice, we will want to work with him to look into that further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or timelines for reviewing aspects of the criminal justice system.

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Q3 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Justice & Courts
Context

Oliver Campbell's murder conviction was quashed after 33 years. The case involved the Criminal Cases Review Commission and CPS.

Question

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Government have pledged to undertake a review of sentencing generally. I wonder whether I can tempt the Solicitor General to support a wider review of aspects of the criminal justice system that do not seem to be working, in particular the role of the Criminal Cases Review Commission and the CPS in dealing with potential miscarriages of justice.

Answer from Sarah Sackman

First, I welcome my hon. Friend and congratulate him on his election as Chair of the Justice Committee. He is right that we will be undertaking a review of sentencing. On miscarriages of justice, we will want to work with him to look into that further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or timelines for reviewing aspects of the criminal justice system.

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Q4 Jeremy Wright Con Kenilworth and Southam
Justice & Courts
Context

The question addresses the current unduly lenient sentence scheme, suggesting it should be extended to monitor newly created offences proactively.

Question

May I first warmly welcome the Solicitor General to her place, and the Attorney General to his place in the other place. While I am at it, I should of course also welcome the hon. Member for Hammersmith and Chiswick as the new Chair of the Justice Committee. May I ask the Solicitor General to consider the merits of monitoring sentencing proactively, particularly for newly created offences?

Answer from Sarah Sackman

I thank the right hon. and learned Member for his question. Newly created offences such as those from the Online Safety Act 2023 do not currently fall within the scope of the unduly lenient sentencing scheme, but we always look for opportunities to reform.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or timelines for proactive monitoring of newly created offences.

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