An open letter about the Whole Life Custody draft proposal by Liam Kerr MSP

Dr Hannah Graham (Stirling) and Prof Fergus McNeill (Glasgow) have written an open letter to Liam Kerr MSP in response to his proposal to introduce a whole life custodial sentence.

In their letter Dr Graham and Prof McNeill argue that the proposals are ‘as regressive and problematic in principle as it would prove to be in practice’ and say existing arrangements in Scotland “for dealing with those convicted of very serious and harmful crimes are more than adequate”.

Mr Kerr, however, believes ‘life should mean life for Scotland’s worst criminals’ and has brought forward a consultation process on the issue.

You can read the open letter here.