Andy Burnham Pledges to End IPP Indefinite Sentences

Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged on Sunday to end imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentences during the current parliament. Introduced in 2005 and abolished in 2012, IPP sentences established a minimum jail tariff but lacked a maximum release date, leaving many offenders imprisoned indefinitely.

As of June 30, 2026, 856 people remained in prison under IPPs, with 80% having served at least 10 years beyond their minimum terms. Burnham argued the system created a sense of unfairness, noting that some offenders remained jailed while others convicted of more serious crimes were released early. He stated that many of those currently held have more than served their time.

To manage the transition and protect national security, the government will establish a cross-party oversight group to identify individuals who still pose a risk to communities. Campaigners from the group Ungripp hailed the decision as a critical step toward justice, though some noted the move comes too late for those who died while serving these sentences.