Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Future of the Parole Board

18 January 2023 · 3 other contributors · 9,162 words

Opened by Graham Stringer Lab Blackley and Middleton South

Responding minister: Damian Hinds

Justice & Courts

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Graham Stringer raised concerns about future of the parole board in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Graham Stringer expresses concern over recent parole decisions, citing issues with evidence consideration, reoffending rates, and transparency.
  • Mr Stringer requests the Government to conduct a review of the Parole Board's operations and assess rehabilitation programmes.
  • The Minister acknowledges the importance of the Parole Board's role and outlines measures to improve openness and transparency.

Key requests to Government

Mr. Stringer requests that the Government conducts an in-depth review of how the Parole Board operates, assesses who is considered for parole, keeps comprehensive statistics on reoffending rates, and examines rehabilitation programmes to ensure they are effective in reducing public risk.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Graham Stringer Lab Blackley and Middleton South

Mr. Graham Stringer expresses concern over recent parole decisions, particularly in cases involving Andrew Barlow and Suzanne Capper's murder. He cites issues such as the Parole Board failing to consider evidence properly, increasing reoffending rates, outdated psychological assessment methods, and a lack of transparency in decision-making processes. The MP highlights the importance of public confidence in justice and the need for thorough and transparent evaluations by the Parole Board.

Other contributors (3)
  • Alex Cunningham Lab Stocksbridge and Penistone

    Expressed deep concern about the Parole Board's handling of serious cases, citing the Andrew Barlow case as an example. Highlighted issues with victim notification systems and staff shortages, stressing that public confidence in the justice system is near breaking point. Mentioned the 2019 Conservative manifesto promise to support victims but criticized the lack of follow-through. Raised concerns about changes prohibiting probation officers from making recommendations, questioning their impact on public safety. The point about the information staff provide and how confident they are that it is being shared is important. I mentioned that staff appear to be concerned that we are releasing prisoners they would never have recommended be released. What does the Minister have to say to them about the credibility of information that is before the Parole Board, and the confidence in the decision?

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon echoed concerns about the impact of parole decisions on victims, citing a case in Northern Ireland where a woman encountered the man who murdered her son without prior notification. He emphasised the need for due diligence to prevent retraumatisation and advocated for victims' opinions to be paramount in all decisions regarding release or parole.

  • Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd

    Concerned about the impact of changes to the Parole Board procedure, specifically the removal of probation officer recommendations. Raised issues regarding the handling of cases involving black, Asian and minority ethnic prisoners and IPP prisoners. Highlighted a case of victim mistreatment by the criminal justice system and called for more Parole Board hearings to be held in public.

Government Response

Damian Hinds

It is a great pleasure to see you in the Chair and serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Murray. I congratulate the hon. Member for Blackley and Broughton on securing this important debate. His speech was thoughtful, deliberative and balanced. The Minister acknowledges the importance of the Parole Board's role in protecting the public by making decisions about the release of serious offenders. He outlines several measures to improve openness and transparency in the parole system, including reforms proposed in last year's root-and-branch review. These include legislative changes to make the release test more prescriptive, give Ministers power to refuse a Parole Board decision for top-tier offenders, and enhance the expertise of Parole Board members through law enforcement backgrounds. The Minister also addresses concerns regarding victims' engagement with the parole system, emphasizing steps taken to improve transparency and communication. This includes allowing victims to observe Parole Board hearings during a testing phase and conducting public hearings in some cases. He highlights efforts to trace and inform victims of historical offences and reassures that measures are in place to protect the interests of all parties involved. The Minister responds to specific points raised by MPs, including reoffending statistics, sex offender treatment programmes, and the content of Parole Board dossiers. He confirms ongoing monitoring of changes' impact on minority ethnic offenders. Overall, the minister assures that victim concerns and public protection are at the heart of government's vision for a robust parole system.

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