Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Parole Board: Maintaining Public Safety — [Judith Cummins in the Chair.]

25 November 2020 · 3 other contributors · 4,001 words

Opened by Alberto Costa Con South Leicestershire

Responding minister: Lucy Frazer

Justice & Courts

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alberto Costa raised concerns about parole board: maintaining public safety — [judith cummins in the chair.] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the Parole Board's ability to assess cases like Colin Pitchfork, who committed heinous crimes and deceived investigators.
  • The MP requests the government to provide the Parole Board with necessary resources and to enhance victim participation in the parole process.
  • The Minister highlights that the Parole Board protects public safety through expert risk assessment and notes that serious further offences by released offenders are rare, at less than 0.5%.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Minister to ensure that the Parole Board has all necessary resources to make informed judgments and to continue strengthening measures that give victims a voice in the parole process, maintaining a balance between releasing rehabilitated individuals and preventing dangerous offenders from being released.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Alberto Costa Con South Leicestershire

The case of Colin Pitchfork, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of two young girls in South Leicestershire, raises questions about whether such individuals can be rehabilitated. The brutal nature of his crimes and his deceitful behavior during investigations indicate that he may never truly be safe for release. My constituents are concerned about the transparency and effectiveness of the Parole Board's decision-making process.

Other contributors (3)
  • Conor McGinn Lab St Helens South and West, Walton

    I endorse everything the hon. Gentleman has said about the Parole Board's decisions affecting public safety and decency, particularly referencing the case of Helen McCourt in Billinge where her mother campaigned for stricter criteria for the release of murderers who do not provide information on their victims' remains. Mr McGinn questioned whether the Parole Board's focus on public safety adequately addresses victims' families' need for truth and justice, especially when there is no remorse shown by offenders.

  • Laura Trott Con Sevenoaks

    Ms Trott emphasised the importance of Parole Board involvement in rape cases, noting that only 16% of rape convictions involve Parole Board discretion. She raised concerns about whether the board is adequately assessing reoffending risk and ensuring public safety.

  • Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op York Central

    I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for introducing today's debate and highlight issues such as 8,272 hearings not being concluded in 2018-19 due to insufficient reports, advocating for better resourcing of the criminal justice system to ensure victims are not let down.

Government Response

Lucy Frazer

It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship, and I extend my sympathies to the families of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth. The Parole Board fulfills a significant role in protecting public safety with its expertise in assessing risk for release decisions. While serious further offences are rare, at less than 0.5%, each case is taken seriously, and reviews are conducted to identify lessons for better management. Over the past two years, steps have been taken to improve transparency, including allowing decision summaries and a reconsideration mechanism for flawed decisions. A root-and-branch review of the parole system was announced on October 20th to look at further reforms. The consultation explores whether parole hearings should be open to the public in some limited circumstances. Regarding sentences, if Colin Pitchfork were sentenced now, he would likely receive a whole-life order due to provisions introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2003. In response to points made about resources, it is noted that there has been an increase of 8% in finances for the Department's budget. The number of cases heard by the Parole Board has increased significantly over the years, leading to a need to regularly review systems and processes, as well as invest in increased provision. In 2017-18, additional funding enabled the recruitment of over 100 new Parole Board members to manage hearings more effectively.

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