IPP Sentences — [Valerie Vaz in the Chair]

Congratulated the hon. Friend on securing the debate and raised a constituent case where a son serving an indefinite IPP sentence suffers from long-term psychiatric conditions, arguing that this highlights the need for urgent review of IPP sentences due to prison overcrowding.

Mr. Chambers raised concerns about the impact of IPP sentences on mental health, citing the tragic case of Tommy Nicol who took his own life due to lack of support and hope for release. He highlighted that individuals serving IPP sentences have high rates of suicide and self-harm, noting statistics such as 47% of prisoners reporting easy access to drugs and 41% testing positive on random drug tests. Mr. Chambers also criticised the recent independent sentencing review for excluding IPP sentences.

The MP discussed the history of IPP sentences, acknowledging past mistakes and praising efforts to reform them. He highlighted recent legislative changes that reduce licence periods and emphasised the need for a balance between prisoner rehabilitation and public protection. Edward Argar also questioned the progress made on an action plan and sought clarification on mental health support for IPP prisoners.

Jim Shannon expressed the need for reform and review of IPP sentences, noting that there were 2,796 IPP prisoners in custody as of March 2024. He emphasised the importance of public safety alongside justice and rehabilitation, highlighting the concerns of victims and the challenge of prison overcrowding.

John Martin McDonnell highlighted the tragedy of IPP prisoners who face uncertainty, leading to despair and self-harm. He cited UNGRIPP data showing 1,866 self-harm incidents among IPP prisoners in 2023 and 90 suicides. McDonnell stressed that the lack of hope undermines rehabilitation efforts, urging the government to implement Justice Committee recommendations for case-by-case release assessments to ensure safety. I disagree with the interpretation of the Justice Committee report, highlighting it as enabling a refocusing on prisoners with an expert panel involved to ensure a staggered release. I express scepticism about the implementation due to resource constraints within the prison network.

The MP discussed the negative impacts of IPP sentences, noting that two-thirds of prisoners serving IPPs had been recalled due to non-criminal breaches of their licences. She highlighted the mental health challenges faced by both prisoners and their families, citing a constituent's partner who committed suicide after dealing with the uncertainty of her husband's imprisonment under an IPP sentence. The MP welcomed actions taken to implement the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 but urged further steps to accelerate safe release for remaining IPP prisoners.

Asked if the hon. Gentleman heard Lord Blunkett's suggestion that secure therapeutic units should be an alternative option to IPP sentences. The speaker expressed concern about the impact of IPP sentences on vulnerable individuals and prison officers, urging the Government to convene an expert committee to advise on resentencing. She highlighted that the current situation is unjust and called for reparations for IPP prisoners and their families. Liz Saville-Roberts also supported Lord Woodley's private Member's Bill aimed at setting up an expert committee for resentencing.

Ms Maskell highlighted the case of a constituent who has been serving an IPP sentence since 2005 and is still in custody despite meeting release criteria. She cited statistics from reports, including 90 suicides and over 1,866 incidents of self-harm among IPP prisoners. Ms Maskell urged the need for resentencing and reducing the recall period to five years, stressing the importance of proper mental health support upon release. My constituent has been waiting 17 years for release and I am concerned about the continuous uncertainty impacting mental health, including self-harming and tragic loss of lives. I ask the Minister to provide time frameworks so that individuals can start planning their future.