Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many persons serving indeterminate prison sentences for public protection they estimate continue to protest their innocence; and whether such persons are denied access to the necessary courses which could lead to their release.

The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost as central records are not kept on the number of prisoners serving indeterminate sentences who maintain their innocence.

HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) must operate on the basis that individuals have been lawfully convicted of crimes, no matter if they maintain their innocence. Whilst requirements differ by programme, an individual does not need to admit to the offence(s) for which they have been convicted, but must be willing to address and work on the issues and factors in their life that constitute risk factors for them.

When considering whether to direct the release of IPP prisoners, the independent Parole Board considers evidence from a range of sources and not just completed programmes. Where the Parole Board does not direct the release of an IPP prisoner, it is concluding that the prisoner’s risk to the public is too great for him to be safely managed in the community.