Offenders posing a threat to national security to spend longer behind bars
Dangerous criminals who pose a threat to the UK’s national security will spend longer behind bars under new legislation coming into force today (22 March).
Now, offenders convicted of national security offences such as espionage, sabotage, or foreign interference will no longer be automatically released ahead of serving their full prison term under any circumstances.
Instead, they must be thoroughly risk assessed by the Parole Board before they are let out of prison, after serving no less than two thirds of their term behind bars. Once released, they will be subject to rigorous supervision and some of the toughest monitoring conditions, such as being tagged, until the end of their term plus an extra year.
The changes will strengthen public protection and send a clear warning to foreign powers with malicious motives.
Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, said:
Minister for Sentencing, Youth Justice and International, Jake Richards, said:
Security Minister, Dan Jarvis said:
The historic Sentencing Act received Royal Assent in January 2026. Firmly gripping the prison crisis which this government inherited, it will make sure future governments always have the prison places needed to keep people safe, with the most dangerous offenders locked up.
This comes days after the Government announced £100m investment in the biggest expansion of tagging in British history, putting thousands of extra domestic abusers, thieves and burglars across the country under tough GPS and alcohol monitoring.
The Sentencing Act 2026 follows the Independent Sentencing Review led by David Gauke, published in May 2025.
Key reforms in the Act include:
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