This section applies where—
a prisoner is serving a fixed-term sentence imposed in respect of an offence specified or described in section 256AZBB, and
the Board directs the prisoner's release under a provision mentioned in the second column of the table in section 237B.
The Secretary of State may direct the Board to refer the prisoner's case to the High Court if the Secretary of State considers that—
the release of the prisoner would be likely to undermine public confidence in the parole system, and
if the case were referred, the High Court might not be satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the prisoner should be confined (see section 256AZBC(1)).
The requirement for the Secretary of State to give effect to the Board's direction to release the prisoner is suspended—
during such period, beginning with the day on which the direction is given, as the Secretary of State reasonably requires to determine whether to direct the Board to refer the prisoner's case to the High Court under this section, and
if the Secretary of State gives such a direction, pending determination of the reference under section 256AZBC(1).
Where the Secretary of State gives a direction under subsection (2), the Secretary of State must notify the prisoner of the direction and the reasons for giving it.
This section applies in relation to a prisoner whose sentence was imposed before, as well as after, this section comes into force.
But nothing in this section affects the duty of the Secretary of State to release a prisoner whose release has been directed by the Board before this section comes into force.