Parole reform to keep dangerous prisoners off streets

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has announced a package of landmark reforms designed to restore public confidence in the system, including a tougher Parole Board release test to ensure prisoners who still pose a risk are kept behind bars.

The most dangerous offenders, including terrorists, will also now face ministerial scrutiny, including a new power to block their release in the interests of public safety. Where the Parole Board cannot confidently say the prisoner is safe to leave prison, they will refer the decision to the Justice Secretary.

As well as a new power to block a prisoner’s release in the interests of public safety, the package of reforms also includes changing the law to increase the proportion of Parole Board members from policing backgrounds, and ensure they sit on hearings for the most dangerous offenders. Currently, less than five per cent of the Parole Board’s membership falls into this category.

Raab said: “Through our parole reforms, we will stand up for the rights of victims and make public safety the overriding factor in deciding on parole decisions. That’s why we are changing the criteria for release, putting more people with law enforcement experience on Parole Board panels, and adding a Ministerial check on release of the most serious offenders.”