How many years is a life sentence in the Uk?

Question

and no it is not life- i thought i was dumb!

Answer 1

Life certainly doesnt mean life in the UK. A judge will recommend a minimum term which will vary depending on the crime. It is actually quite unusual for a life sentance to actually mean life, except in some exceptional circumstances such as multiple murders or the like. Most minimu terms for a "life sentance" often mean somewhere in the region of 17-25 years provided they get parole which is based on good behavious and a suitable level of reform.

From wikipedia:

In England and Wales, a life sentence is a prison term of indeterminate length. Formerly, the Home Secretary reserved the right to set the "tariff", or minimum length of term, for prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment, but since 2005 only a judge may set the tariff. The average sentence is about 15 years before the first parole hearing, although those convicted for heinous offenses serve their sentences significantly longer - Ian Huntley was given a tariff of 40 years. Some receive "whole life tariffs" and die in prison, such as Myra Hindley and Harold Shipman; there are currently around 25 people serving whole life tariffs in the UK. Prisoners jailed for life are released on a life licence if the parole board authorises their release.

Answer 2

um for life maybe...