Crime: Murder

Lord Hamilton of Epsom Excerpts

Monday 24th January 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Walton of Detchant]

My Lords—

[Lord Hamilton of Epsom]

My Lords—

[Noble Lords]

Cross Bench!

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord McNally]

My Lords, I do not try to mislead the House in any way in acknowledging that some of these issues have been before successive Governments for a very long time. On some of the issues, such as when the plea is on grounds of a mercy killing or a related defence, successive Governments have taken the view that this is a matter for Parliament rather than the Government of the day. Within their broad decision not to attempt a major reform of the law at the moment, the Government are trying to look at the guidance so that it may be simplified and to trust the judgment of judges in these matters.

[Lord Hamilton of Epsom]

Can my noble friend tell us how many convicted murderers who have been given life sentences have actually died in prison? Surely the reality of a mandatory life sentence is that it does not actually amount to that at the end of the day.