Oral Question·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
“What assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of negotiating a growth and defence partnership with the EU.”
Tabled: 21 October 2026Answered: 27 October 2026
Asked by
Sarah Dyke
Liberal Democrat — Glastonbury and Somerton
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Answer from Hansard
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Shabana Mahmood)
We know that prolific offenders represent only 10% of offenders but account for nearly 50% of all sentences. That clearly cannot continue, which is why I have specifically asked David Gauke to look at this issue in the independent sentencing review, to ensure that we have fewer crimes committed by prolific criminals.