Andy Burnham announces review of prisoner early release scheme
Summary
Andy Burnham said he will review a government plan to release some prisoners early to ease overcrowded prisons. The plan, starting in September, lets certain offenders leave prison after serving half their sentence instead of two-thirds. Burnham wants to make sure the policy is carefully checked before it moves forward.Key Facts
- The early release scheme will start in September to reduce prison crowding.
- Some serious offenders, including killers, rapists, and sex offenders, could be released halfway through their sentences.
- Less serious offenders may be released after serving half their sentences if they follow prison rules.
- The law does not exclude prisoners convicted of serious crimes, domestic abuse, or terrorism.
- The plan has faced strong criticism from victims’ groups, some politicians, and members of the public.
- Victims commissioners and the domestic abuse commissioner have urged officials to reconsider the scheme, warning it could put abuse victims at risk.
- The scheme was pushed by former justice secretary David Lammy due to fears that prisons would soon be too full.
- Andy Burnham and the current justice secretary Alex Norris will review the policy and decide what changes, if any, should be made.
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