Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions he has had with the Chair of the Sentencing Council on linking the length of custodial sentences to the acquisition of specified skills in prison.

Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for our independent courts, taking into account the circumstances of the case and relevant sentencing guidelines, which are published by the independent Sentencing Council. Sentencing Guidelines assist sentencers in determining the seriousness of an offence, considering the offender’s culpability and the harm caused, and any aggravating and mitigating factors.

The Secretary of State for Justice has to date had no discussions with the Chair of the Sentencing Council on linking the length of custodial sentences to the acquisition of specified skills in prison.