Sentencing White Paper: Government unveils plans to keep offenders in prisons for longer after warning jails are running out of space

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The new sentencing white paper proposes changes that would force sexual and violent criminals to spend longer in prison, allow whole life orders for under-21s and child killers and stop the automatic release of inmates who may be dangerous. Robert Buckland, the justice secretary, said: “Our measures will ensure the most serious violent and sexual offenders get the prison time they deserve, while new community interventions and changes to rules around criminal records will help boost rehabilitation and cut reoffending — which means creating fewer victims.” They were announced days after the Public Accounts Committee warned that prisons in England and Wales could run out of space by 2023 after “staggering” government failures. “The Conservatives’ rhetoric on crime never lives up to the reality.” Mr Buckland called the proposals a “fundamental shift” in sentencing towards a system that is “fairer, smarter and ultimately better protects the public”. Yet less than 1 per cent of community sentences include mental health treatment and only 6 per cent include drug treatment, as these services are simply not available in many areas.” Nathan Dick, head of policy at rehabilitation charity the Revolving Doors Agency, said half the people jailed each year serve sentences of under six months for crimes “driven by underlying and un-met needs”.