Petition · Ministry of Justice

Review extended determinate sentencing: reductions for rehabilitated prisoners

Closed 611 signatures

What the petition asks

We'd like Government to review the use of extended determinate sentences (EDS) and consider allowing sentence reductions for prisoners who’ve completed their custodial term while demonstrating excellent behaviour and real rehabilitation.
We think the system should recognise reform and offer early release options.

We believe that the current system is unjust and that EDS prisoners who’ve done everything right — reformed, followed their sentence plan, behaved well — may still face long, fixed sentences. We think that they’re ready to rejoin society but are denied the same chances others get, and that their reform should be recognised and rewarded. In our view, this change would bring fairness, help reduce reoffending and support safer communities. We believe these prisoners are unlikely to face recall as they have fought for their release and that ultimately this could ease prison congestion.

Timeline

7 Aug 2025 Petition opened for signatures
7 Feb 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 611
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 7 Aug 2025
Closed 7 Feb 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 3 Aug 2026.