The Sentencing Act 2026 changes to automatic release dates for some prisoners will come into force from 1 October 2026. Following public campaigning and government reviews, the changes will not come into effect for those convicted of certain offences.

The Sentencing Act 2026 changes to automatic release dates for some prisoners will come into force from 1 October 2026. Following public campaigning and government reviews, the changes will not come into effect for those convicted of certain offences.

A Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled for 4:30pm on 17 November 2025 on an e-petition relating to penalties for offences arising from social media posts. The debate will be opened by Jamie Stone MP.

A Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled for 4:30pm on 17 November 2025 on an e-petition relating to penalties for offences arising from social media posts. The debate will be opened by Jamie Stone MP.

The Sentencing Bill is a government bill that started in the House of Commons. It received its first reading in the House of Lords on 30 October 2025 and is scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 12 November 2025.

The Sentencing Bill is a government bill that started in the House of Commons. It received its first reading in the House of Lords on 30 October 2025 and is scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 12 November 2025.

The Sentencing Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on 2 September 2025 and is scheduled for report stage on 29 October 2025.

The Sentencing Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on 2 September 2025 and is scheduled for report stage on 29 October 2025.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Independent Sentencing Review on the population of open prisons.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Independent Sentencing Review on the population of open prisons.

On Wednesday 25 June 2025, there will be an Estimates Day debate on the spending of the Ministry of Justice. This debate pack contains details of the latest estimates and previous expenditure, background material, and suggestions for further reading.

On Wednesday 25 June 2025, there will be an Estimates Day debate on the spending of the Ministry of Justice. This debate pack contains details of the latest estimates and previous expenditure, background material, and suggestions for further reading.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps is her Department taking to fund voluntary community sector organisations to support people leaving prison as part of her Sentencing Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps is her Department taking to fund voluntary community sector organisations to support people leaving prison as part of her Sentencing Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she has had discussions with the Victims Commissioner on the recommendations of the Independent Sentencing Review: Final report, published 22 May 2025.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she has had discussions with the Victims Commissioner on the recommendations of the Independent Sentencing Review: Final report, published 22 May 2025.

My Lords, I too add to the welcome that has been given to David Gauke’s review and the Government’s response to it. I agree with the noble Lord, Lord Baker, when he said, “Let us try to approach this in a non-political manner”, but I fear that is probably pie...

My Lords, I too add to the welcome that has been given to David Gauke’s review and the Government’s response to it. I agree with the noble Lord, Lord Baker, when he said, “Let us try to approach this in a non-political manner”, but I fear that is probably pie...

My approach to this job is exactly my approach to all my working life: follow the evidence and make sure you get some great people working with you who have a very clear idea of what needs to be achieved. That is my plan here. That is why, for example,...

My approach to this job is exactly my approach to all my working life: follow the evidence and make sure you get some great people working with you who have a very clear idea of what needs to be achieved. That is my plan here. That is why, for example,...

My Lords, I sat as a magistrate for some 10 years and remain on the supplemental list. I have to say that it is a grave mistake to take away the ability, as a norm, to give out small and shorter sentences, for the simple reason that we magistrates did...

My Lords, I sat as a magistrate for some 10 years and remain on the supplemental list. I have to say that it is a grave mistake to take away the ability, as a norm, to give out small and shorter sentences, for the simple reason that we magistrates did...

Drugs are a problem in every prison, and the addiction that people come into prison with is often exacerbated by serious organised criminals who make money out of selling drugs to addicted people. This then turns into violence and debt, and the ongoing problems we have in prisons. I want...

Drugs are a problem in every prison, and the addiction that people come into prison with is often exacerbated by serious organised criminals who make money out of selling drugs to addicted people. This then turns into violence and debt, and the ongoing problems we have in prisons. I want...

The right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Gloucester has been very vocal and supportive of many of the suggestions I have been working on, not just now but before I came into this position. The role of the third sector, both in prison and in the community, is vital. One...

The right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Gloucester has been very vocal and supportive of many of the suggestions I have been working on, not just now but before I came into this position. The role of the third sector, both in prison and in the community, is vital. One...

My Lords, the Minister used the word “compassionate”, and other noble Lords have used that word in reference to sentencing, particularly of women, and to the effect on their families. Does he appreciate that many people do not understand how, for a simple tweet—an appalling tweet—Lucy Connolly got 31 months,...

My Lords, the Minister used the word “compassionate”, and other noble Lords have used that word in reference to sentencing, particularly of women, and to the effect on their families. Does he appreciate that many people do not understand how, for a simple tweet—an appalling tweet—Lucy Connolly got 31 months,...

I cannot comment on individual cases, but it is up to the judiciary to decide what sentence they hand down to offenders.

I cannot comment on individual cases, but it is up to the judiciary to decide what sentence they hand down to offenders.

Lords statement on sentencing in England and Wales.

Lords statement on sentencing in England and Wales.

My Lords, the measures announced by the Government on 22 May are presented under the guise of necessity, but they risk eroding public confidence in our criminal justice system. This country has always stood for a system of justice that is firm and fair and can be trusted by the...

My Lords, the measures announced by the Government on 22 May are presented under the guise of necessity, but they risk eroding public confidence in our criminal justice system. This country has always stood for a system of justice that is firm and fair and can be trusted by the...

My Lords, unlike the noble and learned Lord, Lord Keen, we welcome the Independent Sentencing Review. We also applaud the appointment of David Gauke to lead it. He was an inspired and independent choice and, despite some reservations with the report, we regard the tenor of the review as brave,...

My Lords, unlike the noble and learned Lord, Lord Keen, we welcome the Independent Sentencing Review. We also applaud the appointment of David Gauke to lead it. He was an inspired and independent choice and, despite some reservations with the report, we regard the tenor of the review as brave,...