Oral QuestionAttorney General's Office

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

Tabled: 12 March 2026Answered: 19 March 2026

Asked by

Lorraine Beavers

LabourBlackpool North and Fleetwood

Answering Minister

the Solicitor General

Answer from Hansard

The Solicitor General

The Law Officers’ power to refer unduly lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal is a powerful way to ensure that justice is achieved in some of the most serious crimes. It gives a voice to victims, their families and the public in the sentencing of cases. Since my appointment as the Solicitor General in September last year, I have received requests to review the sentences imposed on 815 offenders. In the last six months, 30 offenders have had their sentences increased under the scheme.