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Homicide: Offenders

Asked by Steve WitherdenLabourMinistry of JusticeTabled Answered 15 October 2025UIN 80407

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the restriction zone requirement in the Sentencing Bill would apply to offenders of murder.

Answered by Jake Richards

It is crucial that we have a justice system that punishes offenders and supports victims. That is why increasing restriction on serious sexual and violent offenders is part of our Plan for Change to cut crime and make streets safer.

Through the Sentencing Bill, we are introducing a new power which will allow restriction zones on offenders to be imposed on offenders on licence, where appropriate. These will restrict certain offenders to specific areas – so their victims know they are safe wherever else they want to go. Licence conditions for offenders convicted of murder are determined by the independent Parole Board.

We are working to finalise the operation of, and eligibility for, these zones, subject to the passage of the Sentencing Bill.

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