Context
The number of unreleased IPP prisoners fell to 946 as of September 2025, a reduction from the previous year. Terry Rowley received an IPP sentence in February 2008 and remains imprisoned despite completing his minimum tariff years ago.
Question
My constituent, Terry Rowley, received an IPP sentence on 8 February 2008. His minimum tariff was set at one year and 126 days. That was 6,486 days ago—almost 18 years—and he remains in prison. No one disputes the seriousness of his offences, but the issue for Terry and his family is one of equal justice. Someone sentenced to the same crime today would not receive an IPP. Does the Secretary of State accept that this raises fundamental concerns about fairness and equality before the law for those serving under the IPP regime, and what steps will he take to fix it?
Answer from David Lammy (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I recognise the challenges for Terry and his family. We are determined to support those in prison to progress towards safe and sustainable releases, but understandably that cannot be in a way that undermines public protection. We are not giving up on any individual serving an IPP sentence. We will ensure that each one gets the support and access to the risk education and risk reduction work that they need. I will ensure that Terry is receiving all the support he needs.
Not addressed: The response acknowledges the issue but does not provide specific steps to address fairness and equality concerns raised by IPP sentences.
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