Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Imprisonment for Public Protection Sentences

27 April 2023 · 6 other contributors · 13,113 words

Opened by Bob Neill Con Bromley and Chislehurst

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

Bob Neill raised concerns about imprisonment for public protection sentences in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Lead MP expresses concern over 97.5% of IPP prisoners serving beyond their tariff.
  • Lead MP highlights high rates of self-harm and psychological harm among IPP prisoners.
  • Lead MP calls for a resentencing exercise for all prisoners still serving IPP sentences.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP asks the government to reconsider its response and revisit the recommendations made by the Justice Committee. He calls for a resentencing exercise for all prisoners still serving an IPP sentence on licence, emphasizing that this is necessary to provide basic fairness for these individuals.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Bob Neill Con Bromley and Chislehurst

The lead MP is concerned about the current situation of IPP sentences, noting that some 97.5% of IPP prisoners currently in prison have already served their tariff, with many having served well beyond it. He highlights the psychological harm caused to individuals serving an IPP sentence and the difficulties faced by these prisoners in progressing through their sentences. He also mentions the high rates of self-harm among IPP prisoners, with 65 out of 250 IPP prisoners who have died in custody since the sentence came into effect taking their own lives.

Other contributors (6)
  • Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich

    Ms Ellie Reeves acknowledged the Justice Committee's report on IPP sentences, highlighting issues such as deteriorating mental health, self-harm, and suicide among prisoners serving IPP sentences. She noted that over 8,000 people received IPPs between 2005 and 2013, with around 3,000 still in prison by the end of 2022. Ms Reeves also emphasised the need for cross-party support to address the issue constructively without politicising it.

  • Ian Byrne Lab Liverpool West Derby

    Ian Byrne highlighted the injustice of IPP sentences, citing cases in his constituency where families are suffering. He mentioned that prisons lack adequate rehabilitation services and that the cumulative impact on individuals' welfare is severe. Byrne also discussed mental health issues among IPP prisoners and financial and emotional strain on family members.

  • James Daly Con Southport

    IPP sentences can result in individuals serving extraordinarily long terms, despite receiving short tariffs. For example, a 28-day tariff could potentially lead to over 50 years of imprisonment. Criticised the Government's response to IPP sentences, citing a case of Thomas who has been in prison for over a decade despite meeting his tariff and suffering severe mental health issues. Argued that 66% of recalled IPP prisoners did not commit further offences, questioning the rationale behind their continued imprisonment. What evidence basis does the Minister have to make that statement?

  • Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East

    IPP sentences are a shameful mark on the criminal justice system. Nine people serving IPP sentences committed suicide last year, and 81 in total have taken their own lives since the sentence was introduced. The situation needs reform due to mental health issues among those serving these sentences.

  • John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington

    Congratulates the Select Committee on their report and expresses optimism about a resolution due to changes in personnel. Discusses the tragic impact of IPP sentences, including suicides and mental health issues among prisoners and their families. Criticizes delays in addressing existing prisoners since the abolition of IPPs in 2012. Highlights challenges faced by prison officers dealing with these prisoners, including overcrowding and lack of programmes to support them. My understanding was that the Committee recommended bringing together an expert panel to advise on the process, not a mass release.

  • Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East

    Figures show an 81% increase in prisoners requiring secure mental health units who were not being transferred due to a lack of available beds. Questions whether this affects the provision of appropriate support for individuals on IPP sentences.

Government Response

Damian Hinds

It is very good to see you in the Chair, Mr Twigg. The Government welcomed the report on imprisonment for public protection sentences and is committed to supporting offenders through rehabilitation and safe release. Since the abolition of IPP sentences in December 2012, over 6,000 offenders were serving an IPP sentence; by March 2023, this number had decreased to 2,916. The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to public protection and supports prisoners on IPP sentences through risk assessments for safe release. A full resentencing exercise was rejected due to the priority of public safety. However, the Government committed to reviewing the policy and practice for suspending supervisory elements of IPP licences after five continuous successful years in the community. Concerns were raised about the high number of IPP offenders recalled to custody; HM Inspectorate of Probation will conduct a thematic inspection of recalls specifically for IPP sentences in 2023. The refreshed IPP action plan includes performance measures, an accountable owner, and regular reviews by a senior IPP progression board chaired by the executive director with responsibility for public protection. This plan aims to safely reduce over time the IPP population while prioritising public safety.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy