Dr Kieran Mullan MP on sentencing for child murderers | How well-prepared is the North East for the coming economic storm?

The phrase a 'life sentence' is a familiar one for anyone who follows reports of our most high-profile criminal cases, but how often does a life sentence actually mean life? And in the case of offenders who carry out the most unimaginable act of violence, the murder of a child, should a life sentence actually mean life in prison with no prospect of release?That's the argument being made by Dr Kieran Mullan, Tory MP for Crewe and Nantwich in Cheshire and a member of the Commons Justice Committee, said the Government “can and must do better” on sentencing for child murderers.During a Westminster Hall debate this week he highlighted the fact that people given a life sentence for murder generally serve an average of just 16-and-a-half years. He joins Rob Parsons on the Northern Agenda podcast to discuss his contribution to the debate.And how well-prepared is the North East for the coming economic storm? Rob asks one of its best-known business owners John Elliott, the Chairman of County-Durham based Ebac Limited, described as the only manufacturer in the UK of dehumidifiers and washing machines. The business leader shares his often strongly-held views on the Government, Westminster, Brexit, and devolution in the UK.The Northern Agenda is a Laudable production for Reach. It is presented by Rob Parsons, and produced by Daniel J. McLaughlin.You can subscribe to the daily Northern Agenda newsletter here: http://www.thenorthernagenda.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices