Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Lord Thomas: 2026 Must End 'Psychological Torture' of IPP Sentences

1/11/2026

35 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Lord John Thomas, the former lord chief justice, urged Sir Keir Starmer to address IPP jail terms, calling them "psychological torture".
Nearly 2,500 inmates remain imprisoned without a release date under IPP sentences.
Campaigners have filed a complaint with the United Nations over the mental trauma from IPP sentences.
Senior judges regret their decisions.
Lord Thomas says 2026 must be the year to rectify this injustice in UK justice system.

1 of 1

Story summary

Lord John Thomas, the former lord chief justice, urged Sir Keir Starmer to address IPP jail terms, calling them "psychological torture".
Nearly 2,500 inmates remain imprisoned without a release date under IPP sentences.
Campaigners have filed a complaint with the United Nations over the mental trauma from IPP sentences.
Senior judges regret their decisions.
Lord Thomas says 2026 must be the year to rectify this injustice in UK justice system.