Prison crisis: UN torture expert: “Horrible accusation” against British justice system, thousands serving indefinite prison sentences | Politics news

Thousands of prisoners languishing indefinitely in prison deserve “justice” and their re-sentencing must be a priority, said the leading UN torture expert.

Speaking to Sky News, Alice Jill Edwards described prison sentences for the protection of the public (IPP) as an “appalling indictment of the British justice system”.

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The IPP Act was introduced by the Labour Party in 2005 and allows courts to impose prison sentences without a release date.

Although they were abolished by the coalition government in 2012, the change was not made retrospective. This means that around 2,852 prisoners remain behind bars – including 1,227 who were never released.

Ms Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, called on the new government to commit to a full or partial re-sentence of those still in custody.

This comes as Sir Keir Starmer’s government struggles with an overcrowding crisis and the activation of a Emergency measure that allows defendants to be held in police cells for longer.

Ms Edwards said the latest measures were “regrettable” – including the early release of prisoners – did not include those serving an IPP, which they previously described as a form of “psychological torture”.

“The only thing that satisfies the audience”

Ms Edwards has written a letter to the Government on the issue, expressing hope that Labour's focus on reducing the prison population will lead to “changes substantial enough” to bring an end to the IPP scandal.

The IPP was intended for violent and sexual offenders who posed a significant danger to the community but whose crimes did not justify a life sentence.

Although the aim was to protect the public, concerns grew that IPP penalties were being overly broad and more minor offenders were being caught who often about the Time they should serve.

Anyone in an IPP can only will be released once they have served their sentence and the parole board has given its approval.

Ms Edwards said the only thing that could satisfy the public while respecting the rights of IPP prisoners was a full or partial re-sentencing.

The previous Conservative government's main argument against re-sentencing was that it would endanger public safety. But Ms Edwards said the government could “stagger” the process and those accused of the most serious crimes would not be released.

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“A terrible scandal”

Since 2005, 90 prisoners have committed suicide while serving an IPP sentence.

Ms Edwards also pointed to cases where people convicted of minor crimes such as stealing a mobile phone were still in prison more than a decade later.

She said such cases continued for years after the verdicts were overturned, which was a “terrible scandal” and caused people to “question the justice system”.

“It is causing people to lose faith in the British justice system and that is very worrying,” she warned.

“I would be the first to congratulate the government if it acted swiftly and brought justice to these individuals.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said Permanent Secretary Shabana Mahmood was “committed to working with organisations and campaign groups to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to support those still serving rightly lifted IPP sentences”.

“We will carefully examine the points raised and respond comprehensively in due course,” they added.

Anyone experiencing emotional distress or feeling suicidal can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call your local Samaritans branch or 1 (800) 273-TALK