Imprisonment for Public Protection (Re-sentencing) Bill [HL] 2024-26


make provision for a resentencing exercise in relation to all Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentenced individuals; to establish a time-limited expert committee, including a member of the judiciary, to advise on the practical implementation of such an exercise; and for connected purposes.

Private Members' Bill (Starting in the House of Lords)

What is this Bill?

The Imprisonment for Public Protection (Re-sentencing) Bill [HL] is a Lords Private Members' Bill tabled by Lord Woodley.

Is this Bill currently before Parliament?

Yes. This Bill was introduced on 04 September 2024 and is currently before Parliament.

Whose idea is this Bill?

As a Private Members' Bill, this Bill represents the individual initiative of an Member of the House of Lords (Lord Woodley), not the Government.

What type of Bill is this?

Lords Private Members' Bills can be tabled by any member, at any time during the Session. A number of Lords may win ballot slots to receive precedence in the Lords.

So is this going to become a law?

Lords PMBs are extremely unlikely to become law. Unless the Bill receives unanimous support from MPs and can pass 2nd Reading in the Commons without debate, it will not proceed further in the Bill process.

Would you like to know more?

See these Glossary articles for more information: Private Members Bill, Process of a Bill

Official Bill Page Initial Briefing papers Ministerial Extracts from Debates All Bill Debates

Next Event: There is no future stage currently scheduled for this bill

Last Event: Friday 4th July 2025 - Committee stage (Lords)

19 Amendments have been proposed for this Bill
View Amendments

Bill Progession through Parliament

Lords - 60%

Latest Key documents

Timeline of Bill Documents and Stages

4th July 2025
Committee stage: Minutes of Proceedings (Lords)
4th July 2025
Committee stage (Lords)
2nd July 2025
Amendment Paper
HL Bill 19-I Marshalled list for Committee
25th June 2025
Amendment Paper
HL Bill 19 Running list of amendments – 25 June 2025

6

Lord Woodley (Lab)
Tabled: 25 Jun 2025
HL Bill 19-I Marshalled list for Committee
This amendment was not moved

Clause 1, page 1, line 20, at end insert—<br> “(6A) The re-sentencing court may recommend that the re-sentenced person may be subject to an extended licence, if the re-sentencing court considers this appropriate.”


Explanatory Text

<p>This amendment seeks to allow the resentencing court to impose an extended licence as part of the new sentence, so that anyone who is resentenced can be properly supervised on release.</p>

9

Lord Blunkett (Lab)
Lord Woodley (Lab)
Tabled: 25 Jun 2025
HL Bill 19-I Marshalled list for Committee
This amendment was not moved

After Clause 1, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Removal of licence restrictions for prisoners with invalid recalls</b><br> In Section 31A of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (imprisonment or detention for public protection: termination of licences), after subsection (4H), insert—<br> “(4I) Where the prisoner was subject to an invalid recall prior to the enactment of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, the Secretary of State must order that their remaining licence period is reduced to one year in cases where the remaining period is more than one year.””


Explanatory Text

<p>This amendment seeks to reduce the licence period for IPP prisoners who were subject to invalid recalls prior to the enactment of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 and who therefore were deprived of the opportunity to have their licence period terminated.</p>

13th March 2025
Amendment Paper
HL Bill 19 Running list of amendments – 13 March 2025

None

Baroness Burt of Solihull (LD)
Tabled: 13 Mar 2025
HL Bill 19 Running list of amendments – 13 March 2025
This amendment was no decision

Clause 1, page 1, line 4, after “community,” insert “who has served a sentence at least ten years longer than the tariff that was imposed for the original offence,"

None

Baroness Fox of Buckley (Non-affiliated)
Tabled: 13 Mar 2025
HL Bill 19 Running list of amendments – 13 March 2025
This amendment was no decision

Clause 1, page 1, line 20, at end insert- “(6A) A court carrying out a review of a sentence of IPP may substitute a hospital order, with or without a restriction on release, for a sentence of IPP. (6B) A court may not make a hospital order under subsection (6A) unless – (a) it has received evidence from two registered medical practitioners that the defendant is suffering from a mental disorder of a nature or degree which makes it appropriate for them to be detained in hospital for treatment, and (b) those medical professionals have recommended what treatment would be appropriate. (6C) A court may not add a restriction on release to a hospital order unless – (a) it is satisfied that the subject of that hospital order poses a significant risk to the public if not detained in a hospital, (b) one registered medical practitioner who has given oral evidence in court supports the making of a restriction order, and (c) it is satisfied that appropriate in-patient treatment is available for the defendant concerned."

None

Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bshp)
Tabled: 13 Mar 2025
HL Bill 19 Running list of amendments – 13 March 2025
This amendment was no decision

After Clause 1, insert the following new Clause- "Report on impact of Act on certain services Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report assessing the impact of this Act on services that support the— (a) resettlement, (b) rehabilitation, (c) mental wellbeing, and (d) employment prospects, of those sentenced to IPP."

None

Lord Blunkett (Lab)
Tabled: 13 Mar 2025
HL Bill 19 Running list of amendments – 13 March 2025
This amendment was no decision

After Clause 1, insert the following new Clause- “Removal of licence restrictions for prisoners with invalid recalls In Section 31A of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (imprisonment or detention for public protection: termination of licences), after subsection (4H), insert — "(41) Where the prisoner was subject to an invalid recall prior to the enactment of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, the Secretary of State must order that their remaining licence period is reduced to one year in cases where the remaining period is more than one year.""

None

Lord Blunkett (Lab)
Tabled: 13 Mar 2025
HL Bill 19 Running list of amendments – 13 March 2025
This amendment was no decision

Clause 2, page 2, leave out lines 7 to 13 and insert “a sentence of detention for public protection under section 226, since repealed, of the Criminal Justice Act 2003"

None

Lord Moylan (Con) - Shadow Minister (Transport)
Tabled: 13 Mar 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 20 February 2025
This amendment was no decision

Clause 2, page 2, line 9, after “2003” insert “which was passed before 14 July 2008"

None

Lord Moylan (Con) - Shadow Minister (Transport)
Tabled: 13 Mar 2025
Public Bill Committee Amendments as at 25 March 2025
This amendment was no decision

Clause 2, page 2, line 11, after “Act” insert “which was passed before 14 July 2008"

12th March 2025
Amendment Paper
HL Bill 19 Running list of amendments – 12 March 2025

8

Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bshp)
Lord Woodley (Lab)
Tabled: 12 Mar 2025
HL Bill 19-I Marshalled list for Committee
This amendment was not moved

After Clause 1, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Report on impact of Act on certain services</b><br> Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report assessing the impact of this Act on services that support the—<br> (a) resettlement,<br> (b) rehabilitation,<br> (c) mental wellbeing, and<br> (d) employment prospects,<br> <span class="wrapped">of those sentenced to IPP.”</span>


Explanatory Text

<p>This amendment would require a review of the effect of the Act on services that support the resettlement, rehabilitation, mental wellbeing and employment prospects of those sentenced to IPP and DPP.</p>

10th March 2025
Amendment Paper
HL Bill 19 Running list of amendments – 10 March 2025

3

Baroness Burt of Solihull (LD)
Lord Woodley (Lab)
Tabled: 10 Mar 2025
HL Bill 19-I Marshalled list for Committee
This amendment was not moved

Clause 1, page 1, line 4, after “community,” insert “who has served a sentence at least ten years longer than the tariff that was imposed for the original offence,”


Explanatory Text

<p>This amendment would confine the resentencing exercise to those who are at least 10 years over tariff.</p>

7th March 2025
Amendment Paper
HL Bill 19 Running list of amendments – 7 March 2025

11

Lord Moylan (Con) - Shadow Minister (Transport)
Lord Woodley (Lab)
Tabled: 7 Mar 2025
HL Bill 19-I Marshalled list for Committee
This amendment was not moved

Clause 2, page 2, line 9, after “2003” insert “which was passed before 14 July 2008”


Explanatory Text

<p>This amendment would confine the re-sentencing exercise to those sentenced before the provisions relating to IPP as originally enacted were significantly amended in 2008.</p>

12

Lord Moylan (Con) - Shadow Minister (Transport)
Lord Woodley (Lab)
Tabled: 7 Mar 2025
HL Bill 19-I Marshalled list for Committee
This amendment was not moved

Clause 2, page 2, line 11, after “Act” insert “which was passed before 14 July 2008”


Explanatory Text

<p>This amendment would confine the re-sentencing exercise to those sentenced before the provisions relating to IPP as originally enacted were significantly amended in 2008.</p>

6th March 2025
Amendment Paper
HL Bill 19 Running list of amendments – 6 March 2025

7

Baroness Fox of Buckley (Non-affiliated)
Lord Woodley (Lab)
Tabled: 6 Mar 2025
HL Bill 19-I Marshalled list for Committee
This amendment was not moved

Clause 1, page 1, line 20, at end insert—<br> “(6A) A court carrying out a review of a sentence of IPP may substitute a hospital order, with or without a restriction on release, for a sentence of IPP.<br> (6B) A court may not make a hospital order under subsection (6A) unless—<br> (a) it has received evidence from two registered medical practitioners that the defendant is suffering from a mental disorder of a nature or degree which makes it appropriate for them to be detained in hospital for treatment, and<br> (b) those medical professionals have recommended what treatment would be appropriate.<br> (6C) A court may not add a restriction on release to a hospital order unless—<br> (a) it is satisfied that the subject of that hospital order poses a significant risk to the public if not detained in a hospital,<br> (b) one registered medical practitioner who has given oral evidence in court supports the making of a restriction order, and<br> (c) it is satisfied that appropriate in-patient treatment is available for the defendant concerned.”


Explanatory Text

<p>This amendment would ensure those serving IPP and suffering from a mental disorder who present a significant risk are detained in a secure mental hospital until discharged by the Mental Health Review Tribunal, the Mental Health Review Tribunal for Wales or a Secretary of State.</p>

5th March 2025
Amendment Paper
HL Bill 19 Running list of amendments – 5 March 2025

1

Lord Woodley (Lab)
Tabled: 5 Mar 2025
HL Bill 19-I Marshalled list for Committee
This amendment was withdrawn

Clause 1, page 1, line 3, leave out “must” and insert “may”


Explanatory Text

<p>This amendment would ensure the establishment of an expert advisory committee without the requirement on the Secretary of State to carry out a resentencing exercise.</p>

2

Lord Woodley (Lab)
Tabled: 5 Mar 2025
HL Bill 19-I Marshalled list for Committee
This amendment was not moved

Clause 1, page 1, line 4, leave out “, whether in prison or the community,” and insert “who has been released on licence and is living in the community”


Explanatory Text

<p>This amendment would confine the resentencing exercise to those who are currently living on licence in the community.</p>

10

Lord Blunkett (Lab)
Lord Woodley (Lab)
Tabled: 5 Mar 2025
HL Bill 19-I Marshalled list for Committee
This amendment was not moved

Clause 2, page 2, leave out lines 7 to 13 and insert “a sentence of detention for public protection under section 226, since repealed, of the Criminal Justice Act 2003”


Explanatory Text

<p>This amendment would confine the resentencing exercise to those sentenced to the juvenile equivalent of IPP, DPP (Detention for Public Protection).</p>

18th November 2024
Amendment Paper
HL Bill 19 Running list of amendments – 18 November 2024

4

Lord Woodley (Lab)
Tabled: 18 Nov 2024
HL Bill 19-I Marshalled list for Committee
This amendment was withdrawn

Clause 1, page 1, line 16, leave out subsections (5) and (6) and insert—<br> “(5) A Crown Court designated by the Lord Chancellor must re-sentence the person serving the IPP sentence in relation to the original offence or offences, and any associated offences.<br> (6) The re-sentencing court must not impose a sentence more severe than the notional determinate sentence upon the basis of which the tariff was specified as needing to be served before an application for early release might be made.”


Explanatory Text

<p>This amendment would ensure those serving IPP cannot be resentenced more severely than the notional determinate sentence upon which the minimum term was based. Confirmation of IPP is preserved for those falling into the category specified in subsection (6A), added by another amendment in the name of Lord Woodley, to ensure public safety.</p>

5

Lord Woodley (Lab)
Tabled: 18 Nov 2024
HL Bill 19-I Marshalled list for Committee
This amendment was not moved

Clause 1, page 1, line 20, at end insert—<br> “(6A) The re-sentencing court may confirm the sentence of IPP only if—<br> (a) at the date of the original sentencing, ignoring the alternative of an IPP sentence, and at the date of re-sentencing, the person serving the IPP sentence might properly have been and now would be sentenced to life imprisonment, and<br> (b) that person, at the date of re-sentencing, constitutes a substantial risk of causing serious harm if released.<br> (6B) Cases falling within the potential scope of this subsection (6A) may only be re-sentenced by a judge authorised to try cases of murder.”


Explanatory Text

<p>This amendment would give the Court the power to confirm a sentence of IPP only where, had not IPP have been an available alternative, the original sentence could lawfully have been a sentence of life imprisonment, the person would under current sentencing practice be sentenced to life imprisonment, and where the re-sentencing judge is authorised to try cases of murder.</p>

15th November 2024
2nd reading: Minutes of Proceedings (Lords)
15th November 2024
2nd reading (Lords)
11th November 2024
Briefing papers
Imprisonment for Public Protection (Re-sentencing) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 19
15th October 2024
Select Committee report
Second Report of the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee
4th September 2024
1st reading (Lords)
4th September 2024
1st reading: Minutes of Proceedings (Lords)
4th September 2024
Bill
HL Bill 19 (as introduced)