David Blunkett has set out new sentencing principles which will mean that convicted murderers of children will face "life means life" jail terms.

The home secretary announced that terrorist murders and those involving the death of a police or prison officer in the course of their duty will result in far heavier sentences of at least 30 years, compared with the current practice of a mandatory 20-year term.

Forum Response: Barnardo's

Pam Hibbert, Barnardo's principal policy officer, told ePolitix.com: "Barnardo's would be concerned if guidelines to judges on 'life means life' jail terms for child killers and other murderers were to include children who kill.

"Such cases are extremely rare and have not increased in the last 50 years. Experience shows that the rehabilitation route is successful and those who have been released into the community have posed no further danger to society.

"If the very few children in our society who are convicted of murder are sentenced to stay in prison until they die, this would be a sad reflection on our view of humanity and the potential for change, especially in children."