Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on Sunday that individuals convicted of unlawful killing or allowing the death of a child will no longer be eligible for the early prison release scheme. The changes also extend to all forms of manslaughter and historic child sex offences.
The mother of Archie York, Katherine Errington, whose son died in a Newcastle explosion linked to an illegal drugs lab, expressed her relief, stating, "we have finally got the news we wanted." Reece Galbraith, jailed for 14 years for manslaughter in connection with Archie's death, will now serve his full sentence.
Gemma Chappell, great aunt of Maya Chappell, who died after being violently shaken, also welcomed the decision. Maya's mother, Dana Carr, jailed for allowing the death of a child, will now be ineligible for early release.
Burnham stated that extra prison space would be created through the deportation of foreign prisoners and the release of some inmates serving indefinite sentences. However, the Conservatives have cautioned that dangerous criminals could still be released under the revised scheme.