Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that unlawful killing and historic child sex offences will be blocked from upcoming changes to prison sentences. This decision means that offenders for crimes such as manslaughter, death by dangerous driving, and causing or allowing the death of a child will not be released earlier.
This action builds on previous measures taken by the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor to prevent the early release of individuals imprisoned for rape, serious child sexual offences, and grooming. Murderers and those deemed most dangerous by a court, who have received life or extended sentences, were already excluded from sentence reductions.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that he wanted to go further but has pushed the system to its limits to avoid risking the collapse of the prison system. He also announced plans to end Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences during this Parliament, with work on this beginning immediately on a cross-party basis.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris affirmed that those responsible for taking a life or committing crimes against children should remain behind bars for longer. The government also plans to implement powers early next year to deport some foreign criminals immediately after sentencing.
Victims of domestic violence are set to receive enhanced protection, with a presumption that all prison leavers will be tagged. Additionally, new 'restriction zones' will be introduced for some sexual and violent offenders, limiting their movement, with victims having input on their design.