Sentences of Imprisonment for Public Protection
Sentences of Imprisonment for Public Protection, abolished in 2012, have been widely criticised and the current government has committed to ending them “once and for all”.
Changes to automatic prisoner release dates in England and Wales
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.
Where can prisoners and their families get support and advice?
Information about sources of support for prisoners and prisoners' families.
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Research Briefing
Estimates Day debate: Spending of the Ministry of Justice and Home Office on criminal justice
On Monday 29 June 2026, the House of Commons will consider estimates of spending and priorities of the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office, in so far as it relates to criminal justice. The debate will be opened by Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Dame Karen Bradley MP, and Andy Slaughter MP.
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Research Briefing
Prison staff corruption
There has been an increase in investigations into prison staff corruption, including for smuggling contraband and having inappropriate relationships with prisoners.
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Research Briefing
Prisoners released in error
Following Dame Lynne Owens’ Independent Review, the Justice Secretary has pledged £82 million to address the growing problem of prisoners released in error.
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Research Briefing
Potential merits of mandatory body armour for prison officers
A Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled for 3:00pm on 26 March 2026 on the potential merits of mandatory body armour for prison officers. The debate will be opened by Sir Julian Lewis MP.
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Research Briefing
Prison population statistics
In 2024, there were around 87,300 prisoners in England and Wales, which was the highest level recorded since 1900. This equates to 170 prisoners per 100,000 people aged 15 or older. The prison population is also expected to increase to around 100,000 by 2030.
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Research Briefing
Sentencing Bill 2024-26: Lords Amendments
The Sentencing Bill has been through its House of Lords stages. Lords amendments will be considered in the Commons on 20 January 2026.
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Research Briefing
Sentencing Bill
The Sentencing Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on 2 September 2025 and is scheduled for report stage on 29 October 2025.
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Debate Pack
Estimates day: The spending of the Ministry of Justice
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.
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Debate Pack
Tackling extremism in prisons
There will be a Westminster Hall debate on tackling extremism in prisons at 2:30pm on 17 June 2025. The debate will be opened by Jack Rankin MP.
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Research Briefing
Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-Sentence Reports) Bill 2024-25
The bill would prevent sentencing guidelines from referring to personal characteristics such as race, religion or belief, and cultural background in their guidance regarding when a pre-sentence report should be requested.
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Research Briefing
Suicide prevention: prisons
Whilst the suicide rate in prisons has declined since 2016, it is still significantly higher than in the general population
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Debate Pack
The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Requisite and Minimum Custodial Periods) Order 2024
On 25 July the House of Commons will debate a draft order which would change the automatic release point for standard determinate sentences from 50% to 40%.
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