independent.co.uk
IPP Prison Sentences: A UK Crisis
The UK government faces mounting pressure to address the plight of thousands of prisoners serving indefinite IPP sentences, with critics comparing the situation to past governmental failures.
English
United Kingdom
JusticeHuman Rights ViolationsHealthUkGovernmentPolicyReformPrison
The IndependentMinistry Of JusticeLabour PartyParole BoardCentre For Crime And Justice Studies
Tony WoodleyJames TimpsonSarah LudfordDavid BlunkettMarc Conway
- What is the main issue discussed in the article?
- The UK government is facing criticism for its handling of IPP sentences, which are indefinite jail terms that were abolished in 2012 but still affect thousands of prisoners. Many have served far beyond their minimum sentences and are calling for resentencing.
- What are the government's plans to address the situation?
- The government maintains that resentencing would put the public at risk by releasing prisoners previously rejected by the Parole Board. However, opponents argue this stance ignores the long-term damage and injustice caused by maintaining the system.
- What is the government's response to calls for resentencing?
- While the government has announced a refreshed action plan to help IPP prisoners progress towards release, critics dismiss it as insufficient. They argue that resentencing is the only effective solution to address the ongoing injustice faced by thousands of prisoners.
- What are some of the arguments made by those advocating for resentencing?
- Lord Woodley urged the government not to be on the "wrong side of history" and called for resentencing for the nearly 2,700 prisoners trapped under abolished IPP terms. He highlighted the human cost of this policy, noting that 90 IPP prisoners have died by suicide.
- How does the article compare the IPP situation to other government scandals?
- The IPP sentence, introduced in 2005 by the Labour government, has been likened to other major governmental failings like the Windrush scandal and the Post Office Horizon software scandal. Critics argue that the government is repeating past mistakes by not providing adequate solutions.