Prime Minister Andy Burnham has delayed a scheduled round of early prisoner releases by one month, pushing back the September date. This decision comes as British jails are reportedly near capacity, with early releases previously used to manage the system.
Mr Burnham has indicated a willingness to consider averting the earlier release of two individuals convicted of the manslaughter of police officer Andrew Harper. Mr Harper's widow has campaigned on this issue, and senior police officers have signed an open letter advocating for the men to remain in jail.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris has been tasked by the Prime Minister with finding a way to address these requests. However, ministers are unable to customise rules for individual cases, and broader changes to release terms could undermine the policy's aim of freeing up prison places.
Mr Burnham has previously stated that rapists and those convicted of some child sexual abuse offences will not be eligible for early release.