Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

<-- Back to proposed bills

Criminal justice reform

01 September 2026

Proposing MP
Alex Norris Lab
Nottingham North
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Justice
View on Parliament.uk -->
TAGS
Justice & Courts

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the Government's efforts to increase prison capacity and reform sentencing policies to ensure the prison system is sustainable and can accommodate dangerous offenders.

Action Requested

The Government is excluding certain serious crimes from eligibility for changes to release dates under the Sentencing Act, increasing funding for victims' support, fast-tracking prison building programmes, expanding the Early Removal Scheme for foreign national offenders, and planning to end Indeterminate Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences. Additionally, investments are being made to improve outcomes for women and young offenders.

Key Facts

  • The prison system was operating at 99 percent capacity in July 2024.
  • The Government committed to delivering 14,000 prison places by 2031 and has already delivered 3,200.
  • The Sentencing Act 2026 was passed to ensure space for dangerous offenders.
  • The Government will exclude rape, serious child sex offences, and unlawful killings from eligibility for changes to release dates.
  • A £18.9m funding package is provided for local emotional and practical support for victims.
  • The Government is investing £110m to fast-track prison building programmes.
  • Removals of foreign national offenders have increased by 41 percent in the first two years.
  • There are 482 IPP prisoners still serving sentences, with 99% beyond their tariff.
  • £4.5m is being invested in community alternatives for youth offenders.
  • 18-year-olds will be held longer in the youth estate to help relieve adult prison capacity.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy