Entitlement to review is not entitlement to release – far from it. As Minister, I have the final decision in such cases. While I will continue to decide on such cases on their individual merits, I do not accept as a general proposition that seven years, or anything like it, is anywhere near adequate in cases of murder. Those people who think there is an eight, ten or 12-year tariff should remember that from now on I intend that no single digit sentences will be served, except in the most extraordinary circumstances, which I cannot even envisage. Anyone who deliberately takes another person's life – and I am distinguishing between cases of manslaughter and murder – and anyone who with malice of forethought murders another citizen can now expect that they will serve a very substantial sentence. I have spoken to the chairman of the parole board, Mr. Gordon Holmes, and I intend to meet that board with a view to making it clear that prisoners serving life sentences will be expected by society to serve very substantial sentences.