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Homicide: Sentencing

Asked by Steve WitherdenLabourMinistry of JusticeTabled Answered 16 July 2026UIN 17177

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he will commit to publishing a clear timetable for closing the 10 year sentencing starting point gap between most domestic murders and other murders.

Answered by Jake Richards

On 30 June, the Deputy Prime Minister announced the Government’s intention to introduce a new 25-year sentencing starting point for domestic murders, which will apply to offenders who murder their current or former intimate partner.

This change can be implemented by secondary legislation, subject to the affirmative resolution procedure and following a statutory consultation with the Sentencing Council for England and Wales as per paragraph 19(2) of Schedule 23 to the Sentencing Act 2020. A statutory instrument will be brought forward when parliamentary time allows.

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