Home Secretary David Blunkett today announced plans to introduce automatic life sentences for some cases of murder.

In some cases 'life' will actually mean detainment until death, rather than the minimum 25-year term it has denoted in the past.

The Criminal Justice Bill, if passed, will provide a framework for the first time by which judges can determine how long an offender should spend in prison before being considered for release on licence.

The new principles, to be approved by Parliament, would help build 'greater confidence in the criminal justice system' and 'democracy', Mr Blunkett said.

Whole life terms will be imposed for child abduction and murder, terrorist murder or multiple murders which are premeditated, sexual or sadistic.

Mr Blunkett said: "The aim of the principles is to provide clarity, consistency and confidence in the sentencing of murderers."

"Murder is the most serious and heinous of crimes. The effect that such a tragic loss of life has on individuals, families and whole communities is immeasurable.

"I share public concern that some very serious criminals seem to be serving a relatively short spell in prison."

"When capital punishment was abolished, it was intended that strong, rigorous alternative needed to be introduced and strictly maintained. I am determined to ensure we have modern arrangements which maintain that commitment."

Crimes which carry whole-life sentences

- Premeditated multiple murder with abduction, sadistic or sexual motives

- Murder of child following abduction or sexual or sadistic conduct

- Terrorist murder

- Previous conviction for murder

Minimum 30 years imprisonment

- Murder of police or prison officer

- Murder involving a gun or explosive

- Racially motivated murder