Court of Appeal upholds Parole Board independence decision

The Court of Appeal today upheld a High Court decision which found the Parole Board system did not comply with the human rights of prisoners.

Dismissing the government appeal, the three appeal judges, including the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Phillips, said they agreed with the High Court that the relationship between the Board and the Ministry of Justice is liable to create the impression that the board is not independent.

Commenting on the Court of Appeal’s decision, Geoff Dobson, deputy director of the Prison Reform Trust said:

The Prison Reform Trust welcomes the Court of Appeal decision that the Parole Board system does not comply with the human rights of prisoners. 

The Parole Board has a judicial function which significantly determines the liberty of individuals. It should be independent and located within the court system.