UN Report Critiques UK's Imprisonment for Public Protection Sentences

The Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences in the UK have come under intense scrutiny following a recent report submitted to the United Nations by Dr. Felicity Gerry KC. The 44-page document, addressed to Dr. Alice Gill Edwards, the UN's special rapporteur on torture, argues that IPP sentences constitute cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. The report highlights the plight of eight prisoners, including Thomas White, who has spent nearly 14 years incarcerated for a mobile phone robbery. The report calls for the immediate abolition of IPP sentences and an urgent review of the cases of those still serving these indefinite terms.

The Independent

The report indicates that IPP prisoners are trapped in a "never-ending carousel of excessive punishment," having served, on average, 516% of their original minimum terms. Many have experienced severe mental health deterioration, with the system linked to nearly 100 suicides. Although IPP sentences were abolished in 2012, the change was not applied retroactively, leaving approximately 2,400 individuals still serving these sentences as of December 2025, including 924 who have never been released. The report emphasizes that the rationale of public safety for their continued incarceration lacks a solid foundation, particularly when the system itself contributes to their suffering.

The Independent

In 2022, a cross-party justice committee inquiry deemed IPP sentences "irredeemably flawed" and recommended resentencing for all IPP prisoners. However, successive governments have not acted on this recommendation. The recent UN submission marks the second major complaint regarding IPP sentences, with another case involving five prisoners already under investigation by the UN's working group on arbitrary detention. Dr. Gerry's findings suggest that the prolonged uncertainty surrounding these sentences inflicts "acute and enduring psychological suffering" that exceeds legitimate punishment aims.

The Independent

The Ministry of Justice acknowledged the abolition of IPP sentences and stated that measures have been implemented to assist offenders in reintegrating into society. A spokesperson noted that since April 2023, the population of never-released IPP prisoners has decreased by 30%. However, they also indicated that most remaining IPP prisoners have been deemed too dangerous for community release by the independent Parole Board.

The Independent

• “The report concluded: “This report demonstrates that IPP sentences are cruel, inhuman and degrading because their indeterminacy causes acute and enduring psychological suffering that far exceeds legitimate punishment aims.” — Dr. Felicity Gerry KC

The Independent

• “Risk to the public has long been cited as a reason for keeping IPP prisoners incarcerated but this lacks any sound foundation, especially when harm is being caused by the very system that sentenced those people in the first place,” — Dr. Felicity Gerry KC

The Independent

• “ A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “It is right that IPP sentences were abolished, and we have already taken action to support these offenders to move on with their lives.” — Ministry of Justice Spokesperson

The Independent

While the Ministry of Justice claims a 30% reduction in the never-released IPP population, the report by Dr. Gerry emphasizes the ongoing suffering and psychological distress faced by these prisoners. The discrepancy between government statements and the findings of the UN report raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures and the true state of IPP prisoners' conditions.

The Independent