Andy Burnham pledge to end indefinite jail terms ‘a step towards healing’
Summary
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans to end the use of indefinite jail terms known as Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) during this parliament. IPP sentences, introduced in 2005 and abolished in 2012 but not applied retroactively, kept some prisoners jailed or on licence indefinitely. Campaigners and former prisoners welcomed the move as a step toward justice and healing.Key Facts
- IPP sentences allowed for minimum jail time but no maximum time, leading to indefinite imprisonment.
- Introduced in 2005 to detain serious offenders seen as public risks, but often used for less serious crimes.
- The sentence was abolished in 2012, but those already sentenced continued under its terms.
- People on IPP were also on licence (a type of supervised release) indefinitely after prison.
- Andy Burnham pledged to end these sentences during the current parliamentary term.
- Campaign group Ungripp, led by a former IPP prisoner, called the announcement a long-awaited justice.
- Families affected by IPP sentences described ongoing trauma and the need for swift, compassionate government action.
- The campaign highlights tragic cases, such as Tommy Nicol, who died by suicide while serving under IPP conditions.
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