PRT comment: UN calls on UK government to end IPP sentences

Commenting on the renewed call from UN Experts to the United Kingdom that it should undertake an urgent review and re-sentencing exercise for individuals still subject to Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences today (16 July), Mark Day, deputy director of the Prison Reform Trust, said:

“The UN’s intervention should be a wake-up call to the government to redouble its efforts to eradicate the stain of the IPP sentence. Around 2,400 remain in prison who have either never been released or are subject to indefinite recall.

“The government’s IPP action plan has made some limited progress, but without legislative change, it alone will not solve this injustice.

“The government has already rejected options to introduce a resentencing exercise or a sunset clause — the only definitive ways to bring the sentence to an end for the 800 people in prison who have never been released and continue to be held years beyond the expiry of their original tariff.

“The UN also expresses concern that the IPP regime lacks an effective review mechanism or referrals to psychological services outside of prison. Legislation currently before the House of Lords would provide an opportunity to improve access to mental health support for people on IPPs.

“The government must now act to urgently address the issues the UN has raised. We look forward to seeing its response.”