What are synthetic drugs?
New, synthetic versions of harmful drugs, including synthetic opioids and synthetic cannabinoids, are increasingly found in UK’s illegal drug markets.

Parole is the mechanism by which prisoners serving indeterminate and certain determinate sentences can be released subject to conditions. In England and Wales this system is overseen by the Parole Board.
The Parole System of England and Wales (462 KB , PDF)
The Parole Board is an executive non-departmental public body, responsible for the parole system. The Parole Board carries out risk assessments on these prisoners to determine whether they can be safely released into the community. It is governed by the Parole Board Rules, secondary legislation that sets out the procedures that must be followed when determining parole cases.
In 2018-2019 there were reforms to Parole Board procedures, partly in response to the case of John Warboys (now known as John Radford). Rule 25 of the Parole Board Rules was amended in 2018 to allow summaries of Parole Board decisions to be provided to victims and other interested parties. Previously Rule 25 had prohibited any release of information about parole proceedings.
A reconsideration mechanism was introduced in 2019 to allow the prisoner or the Secretary of State to apply, within 21 days of a decision, for the Parole Board to reconsider certain decisions. Victims can ask the Secretary of State to apply to the Parole Board to reconsider a case on their behalf. The criteria for reconsideration are based on judicial review grounds meaning the prisoner or Secretary of State must have reasons to show the decision was either procedurally unfair or irrational
In March 2022 the Government published a root and branch review with plans for further reforms, some of which require legislation. The Government has said it will legislate for those changes which require it as soon as possible.
The review included the following reforms which are yet to be implemented:
Most comment regarding the root and branch review focused on the proposal for a Minister to review release decisions where the Parole Board directs the release of a person who is serving a sentence for a ‘top tier’ offence. Organisations such as Justice, the Howard League for Penal Reform and the Prison Reform Trust have raised concerns about political interference in legal processes and the possibility of ‘political grandstanding’.
The Parole System of England and Wales (462 KB , PDF)
New, synthetic versions of harmful drugs, including synthetic opioids and synthetic cannabinoids, are increasingly found in UK’s illegal drug markets.
On Wednesday 25 June 2025, there will be an Estimates Day debate on the spending of the Ministry of Justice. This debate pack contains details of the latest estimates and previous expenditure, background material, and suggestions for further reading.
There will be a Westminster Hall debate on tackling extremism in prisons at 2:30pm on 17 June 2025. The debate will be opened by Jack Rankin MP.