Criminal Justice: Imprisonment for Public Protection

Lord Vaizey of Didcot Excerpts

Wednesday 9th December 2020 Lords Chamber

[The Deputy Speaker (Lord Lexden) (Con)]

The noble Baroness, Lady Fox of Buckley, has withdrawn, so I call the noble Lord, Lord Vaizey of Didcot.

[Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Con)]

My Lords, imprisonment for public protection is a controversial sentence, but it has been seen to be effective in some high-profile cases. Has the European Court of Human Rights looked at these sentences and, if so, what conclusions has it drawn?

[Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)]

My Lords, the European Court of Human Rights and the Supreme Court looked at the IPP issue and found that detention post-tariff for such sentences could become arbitrary and thus unlawful where no opportunity for progress was provided by the state, but the state does provide opportunity for progression.