There are a handful of Whole Life Tariffs but they are exceptionally rare (e.g. Lucy Letby) and it used to be that it had to be given by the home secretary but that’s changed since

In the UK we give life sentences on all murders, but they include minimum terms. After the minimum term a person is eligible for parole (which means they could be released but only if a parole board says it’s safe to do so). If they are released, they’ll be on licence which means they can be returned to prison without trial if it is believed they pose a danger or break other license conditions.

We do have whole life terms but they are reserved for serial killers, acts of terror etc. Anyone on these will never be released (unless on appeal the minimum term is reduced)

In the UK we have minimum terms. Basically the life sentence stands and if released on parole (after the minimum term) then they will be on licence which means they can be returned to prison at any time if it is believed they present a danger in general or break the terms of their licence, without trial.

We do have whole life terms but they are reserved for the most serious murders, such as serial killers