Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has announced plans to grant ministers the authority to block the release of serious offenders, including those convicted of murder, rape, terrorism, and causing the death of a child. The proposed changes to the Parole Board aim to restore public confidence following controversial decisions such as the release of the 'black-cab rapist' John Worboys.
Under the new measures, the Parole Board would refer cases to the justice secretary if it cannot 'confidently conclude' that release criteria are met. Ministers would then have the power to veto release. Raab also intends to increase the number of Parole Board members with law enforcement backgrounds, currently only 5%.
The announcement comes as Raab challenges a Parole Board decision to release Tracey Connelly, the mother of Baby P. He described recent parole decisions as having 'eroded public confidence' and stated that the case for reform was 'clear and made out'.
Labour's shadow justice secretary Steve Reed broadly welcomed the changes but questioned whether ministers could be trusted, citing Raab's approval of moving sex offender Paul Robson to an open prison, from which he later escaped. Raab acknowledged potential conflicts with human rights laws but said his plans to rewrite the Human Rights Act would address this.
