Howard League responds to Sentencing Bill

The Howard League for Penal Reform has responded after a new Sentencing Bill was introduced in Parliament today (Tuesday 2 September).

Andrea Coomber KC (Hon.), Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “This is a big bill, both in terms of length and in its potential impact on the criminal justice system. We will take time to comb through the details and understand them properly. Any steps to reduce the prison population safely and sensibly are welcome.

“Complex legislation can carry unintended consequences. We are concerned that the government’s proposals for earned release could be difficult to deliver at a time when prison regimes are impoverished and, consequently, drugs and violence are rife. We do not want to see people set up to fail and spending longer than necessary behind bars.

“Similarly, the government risks setting people up to fail if probation does not receive the investment it needs to work effectively and responsively in the community. There is now an opportunity for Parliament to scrutinise these proposals and ensure they are as constructive as possible.”

Notes to editors

1. The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest penal reform charity in the world. It is a national charity working for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison.
2. In a paper published by the Howard League in September 2024, the most senior former judges in England and Wales called on the government to reverse the trend of imposing ever longer sentences. Read Sentence inflation: a judicial critique.
3. For more information about sentence inflation, read the explainer article, What is sentence inflation?
4. For more information about prison overcrowding, read the explainer article, Why are prisons overcrowded?

Contact

Rob Preece
Communications Manager
Tel: +44 (0)7714 604955
Email: [email protected]