Sentencing Reform

Statement

Today, I am announcing that the Government will table an amendment to the Sentencing Bill to broaden the starting point for sentencing for the murder of a police or prison officer in the course of their duty. It will apply not only where the murder occurs during the officer’s duties, but also where the motivation for the murder is connected to their current or former role.

We will also extend this provision to cover the murder of probation officers in connection with their current or former duties.

This change ensures that the exceptional seriousness of murders - such as that of former Prison Custody Officer Lenny Scott - that are motivated by the vital work of these professionals is fully recognised in our sentencing framework.

Police, prison, and probation officers perform unique and often dangerous roles, routinely dealing with high-risk offenders in challenging circumstances. Their work is fundamental to public safety and the rule of law.

By making this amendment, we are reinforcing the principle that murders motivated by a police, prison or probation officer simply doing their job and carrying out their duties strike at the heart of justice, and these murderers must face the most severe sentences available.

This amendment is part of a broader package of amendments that the Government is making ahead of Lords Report Stage of the Sentencing Bill, in response to points made by parliamentarians. The Government will write to Peers with full details and the amendments will be available online.