On Tuesday 9 May, SL5 director, Andrew Sperling, was invited to give evidence to the Parliamentary Justice Select Committee. The Committee, which is made up of MPs from different parties, was examining the government’s Victims and Prisoners Bill.
This is a bill which was originally drafted to enhance the rights of victims of crime. It has been expanded to include controversial proposals relating to prisoners. These are the brainchild of the former Justice Secretary, Dominic Raab, who resigned following the publication of a report into bullying allegations.
If the bill becomes law, it will change the status and powers of the Independent Parole Board; and it will give the Justice Secretary power to make decisions as to whether certain categories of prisoners should be released on parole licence.
The committee heard evidence about the proposals from lawyers, academics and representatives from the Parole Board.
You can watch the session here: