Future of the Parole Board — [Mrs Sheryll Murray in the Chair]

Part of the debate – in Westminster Hall at 9:30 am on 18 January 2023.

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Photo of Graham Stringer Graham Stringer Labour, Blackley and Broughton 9:30, 18 January 2023

I thank the right hon. Lady for that intervention. I know the trade union believes that recommendations should be made. I have read a lot of the arguments both ways—from the trade union and from the Government, as well as from many of the professional advisers. The case against what the right hon. Lady says is that when there is a recommendation, there is a temptation, for any human being, not to look at the evidence directly. The Parole Board should make its decision based on the evidence before it and its consideration of that evidence, rather than a recommendation. I also see the other side—what people who know the prisoner think, and considering what the probation officers think and recommend, which is important. It is a moot point, but I would not criticise the decision completely to take out recommendations.