She noted that it had been clear that there were a number of shortcomings when it came to sentencing:
so we saw individuals being released from prison, not necessarily after receiving long firm sentences. Gaps in sentencing, I think they are well and truly acknowledged now, but also just the assessment process, the risk assessment process around individuals which, to speak candidly, was not as diligent or vigorous as it could have been, should have been, at that time.[1]
252. The Act received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021. It will ensure that serious and dangerous terrorism offenders spend longer in custody and will improve the government's ability to monitor and manage the risk posed by terrorist offenders and individuals of terrorist concern outside of custody. Measures under the Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act:
- ensure that serious and dangerous terrorist offenders spend longer in custody, by introducing the Serious Terrorism Sentence for the most serious and dangerous terrorist offenders (with a minimum sentence of 14 years);
- remove the possibility of any early release from custody for serious and dangerous terrorist offenders, aged under and over 18, who receive an Extended Determinate Sentence;
- increase the maximum sentence that the court can impose for three terrorism offences (membership of a proscribed organisation, supporting a proscribed organisation and attending a place used for terrorist training) by offenders aged from 10 to 14 years; and
- improve the ability to manage and monitor terrorist offenders when they are released. Central to this will be extending the scope of the sentencing for offenders of particular concern by expanding the list of terrorist and terror-related offences that attract the sentence, and creating an equivalent sentence for offenders aged under 18.[2]
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