Written question asked by Lee Anderson (Reform UK) on Thursday, 10 July 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 July 2025. It was answered by Alex Davies-Jones (Labour) on Thursday, 17 July 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Arson: Punishment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether her Department plans to increase the punishment for arson.

Answer: The crime of arson, where destruction or damage to property is committed by fire, is a horrific crime and should be investigated and punished with the full force of the law. The maximum penalty for arson is life imprisonment. The Government therefore does not intend to increase the maximum penalty for this offence. Sentencing for the offence is a matter for the independent Sentencing Council. In 2019 it produced guidelines for sentencing cases of arson.

Secondary information