The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Dr. Alice Jill Edwards, has strongly criticized the UK government for its continued treatment of prisoners serving Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences, warning they are being subjected to "psychological torture." Dr. Edwards expressed her concerns during an exclusive interview with The Independent, highlighting the arbitrary detention of IPP prisoners, likely resulting in breaches of their human rights under international law.
The controversial IPP sentences were introduced by New Labour in 2005, allowing offenders to face indefinite jail terms after serving minimum sentences, without any set date for release. Although these sentences were abolished after a 2012 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, thousands remain incarcerated, trapped within this flawed system.
Recent findings from The Independent revealed disturbing statistics: six out of ten IPP prisoners are being denied opportunities to progress to open jails, even when the Parole Board recommended such moves. Dr. Edwards echoed these revelations, describing the situation as “inhumane” and recognizing it as a violation of international human rights standards.
Several individual cases raise alarm over the treatment of IPP prisoners. James Lawrence, serving eighteen years for what was originally an eight-month sentence, exemplifies the plight of those caught within the IPP framework. Similarly, Thomas White set himself on fire after enduring 12 years behind bars for minor theft. Another case involves Yusuf Ali, who nearly died after conducting a 61-day hunger strike to protest his indefinite sentence.
Alarmingly, 61% of Parole Board recommendations for IPP prisoners to progress to open conditions were rejected over the past year. This systemic denial contributes to increased despair and deteriorated mental health among those affected. Dr. Edwards stated, "Keeping them locked up indefinitely, without a clear path to release, is simply inhumane," emphasizing the deep psychological toll on these individuals.
The mental health struggles of IPP prisoners cannot be overlooked. Many suffer from severe anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness as they grapple with their endless incarceration. Dr. Edwards argues for the urgent need for the UK government to reconsider the resentencing of these individuals, particularly the longest-serving offenders, as part of rectifying this injustice.
Supporting Dr. Edwards's call for change, Amnesty International has described the IPP system as “a stain on the justice system.” Tom Southerden, the organization’s legal program director, told The Independent the policy has created “a living nightmare” for those trapped within it. Unfortunately, the British government remains resistant to the idea of resentencing IPP prisoners. Prisons Minister Lord James Timpson has defended the decision-making independence of the Parole Board.
Yet, campaigners like Donna Mooney, who lost her brother during his IPP sentence, argue the system is fundamentally flawed and continues to devastate lives. Mooney highlights the stark inequality faced by IPP prisoners when compared to those sentenced under more traditional methods.
Aside from individual tragedies, institutional failures give rise to broader concerns about the handling of IPP sentences. According to Dr. Edwards, "Some of the IPP prisoners are very likely being detained arbitrarily, by international standards." This assertion carries weight not only for the prisoners themselves but also for the integrity of the justice system as a whole.
The indefinite nature of these sentences creates dire circumstances leading to some fatal outcomes. Reports indicate at least 90 IPP prisoners have taken their own lives due to hopelessness, highlighting the urgent need for reform. The psychological burden these sentences impose results in severe health crises for many. The denial of access to open conditions, even when deemed appropriate by the Parole Board, exacerbates the situation, with many prisoners experiencing heightened levels of distress as they wait for uncertain futures.
Lord Woodley, a Labour peer, is currently advocating for IPP prisoners to be resentenced, underlining the need for legislative change. Although the private member’s bill is set to reach the committee stage this spring, its success seems dubious without government backing.
Governments have long recognized the issues tied to IPP sentences. David Blunkett, who initially introduced the system, has himself acknowledged its failure. Amnesty International insists it’s time for comprehensive reforms on how the justice system addresses the plight of IPP prisoners. "We strongly support calls for full resentencing to replace all outstanding IPP sentences," Southerden emphasized.
Donna Mooney, representing the United Group for Reform of IPP (UNGRIPP), has been consistently vocal about the need for equitable treatment for all prisoners. She asserts, "What we have now is one rule for this group of people and completely different rules for everyone else." Her comments resonate with many families burdened by grief over loved ones lost within the IPP system.
The Ministry of Justice, meanwhile, claims to be improving rehabilitation efforts and mental health support for IPP prisoners. Yet, advocates question the integrity of these promises against the backdrop of continuing rejections of Parole Board recommendations. Convincing critics remains difficult as the fight for justice for those entangled within the IPP policy continues.
Addressing these pressing mental health issues is more than just ethical; it could save lives. If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, support resources are available including contacting Samaritans at 116 123 for help.