PETITIONClosedPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Replace life sentences with whole life terms for the most serious offenders
We call upon the UK Government to implement legislation that replaces life sentences with whole life terms for offenders whose crimes demonstrate the highest level of severity, such as premeditated murder or violent sexual offences, ensuring no eligibility for parole.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
252
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 252/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 252/100,000
Background
Current life sentences may allow parole after a minimum life term, even for the most serious crimes. We do not believe this reflects the severity of serious offences. We think replacing life sentences with whole life terms would ensure justice, promote public safety and uphold accountability, while allowing judges to consider mitigating factors on a case by case basis.