Written questions

Prisoners' Release

Lords · Question HL15433 · Tabled 11 Mar 2026 · Ministry of Justice · Official record

Answered 25 Mar 2026

Question

Asked by The Lord Bishop of Gloucester

To ask His Majesty's Government how many prisoners (1) applied for, and (2) were granted, early release on compassionate grounds in each of the past five years.

Answer

Answered by Lord Timpson, 25 Mar 2026

The Secretary of State has a statutory power to grant the early release of prisoners serving a sentence or term of imprisonment in custody on compassionate grounds. The power is used in exceptional circumstances only and in accordance with the HMPPS Early...