The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Shaun Woodward MP, today announced the appointment of the Right Honourable Sir Anthony Campbell and the Right Honourable Lord Abernethy as Commissioners to provide him with independent advice on any representations received from prisoners released under the terms of the Northern Ireland (Remission of Sentences) Act 1995, whose licences are subsequently revoked. Lord Justice Campbell and Lord Abernethy replace Sir John MacDermott and Lord Sutherland who have served as Commissioners since 2003.

Commenting on the appointments the Secretary of State said:

“Sir Anthony Campbell and Lord Abernethy are both lawyers of great distinction and I am sure that their appointment as Commissioners will help promote even greater public confidence in the administration of justice in Northern Ireland.”

The Secretary of State also paid tribute to the outgoing Commissioners, Sir John MacDermott and Lord Sutherland, and thanked them for their five years of service.

Notes to Editors

The Northern Ireland (Remission of Sentences) Act 1995 provides that the Secretary of State may, in prescribed circumstances, revoke a licence and recall a person to prison. Although two Commissioners have been appointed, only one will act in each case. The Commissioners will advise the Secretary of State in relation to any representations made by a prisoner following revocation of his licence.

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