IPP was first brought into force from 4 April 2005. The final abolition took effect for all offenders convicted after 3 December 2012.
In September 2025 about 2422 individuals were
still in prison serving IPP sentences. Many individuals have served their actual terms of imprisonment BUT have not been unable to satisfy the Parole Board of suitability for release.The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention | OHCHR has called upon the UK to bring these sentences to a final end.
The Working Group argues that - “These penalties involve prolonged uncertainty and cause serious psychological deterioration among prisoners, including an increased risk of self-harm and suicide. Such punishments may amount to psychological torture ...”At 27 July 2026, 89,373 individuals were in prison in England and Wales - Prison population dashboard – Criminal Justice Hub. Those still serving IPP are therefore approximately 2.7% of the prison population.
The new Prime Minister (Andy Burnham) recently announced a review of an early release scheme introduced by the Sentencing Act 2026 - Law and Lawyers: Prison Overcrowding ~ Prime Minister orders review of the 33% scheme in the Sentencing Act 2026.
The government should also find a way to bring IPP finally to an end.
Please read the UN Report - UK must end IPP sentences as psychological harm continues: UN experts | OHCHR
UN Human Rights, country page – https://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/united-kingdom-great-britain-and-northern-ireland
2 August 2026
No comments:
Post a Comment