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

Labour — Blackpool 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.