Briefing for House of Lords second reading debate on the Victims and Prisoners Bill

“This briefing focuses on Part IV of the Bill concerning prisoners.

“The Howard League welcomes some provisions in Part IV relating to Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences but is concerned that they do not go far enough to tackle what ministers have repeatedly called a stain on our justice system.

“Beyond the measures relating to IPP sentences, the Howard League is opposed to the changes in Part IV.

“The provisions relating to the Parole Board in Part IV are, notwithstanding recent government amendments, unclear, unworkable and undermining of the Parole Board’s independence.

“The proposals concerning the disapplication of fundamental human rights laws to prisoners are dangerous and
unnecessary.

“The provisions of Part IV will have a disproportionate impact on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people in prison, who are already overrepresented in the criminal justice system.

“The Bill ultimately falls short of its original goal – and laudable aim – to strengthen and secure victims’ rights.”

Read the briefing in full