Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved a scheme for the early release of prisoners, a decision made on Monday to prevent the prison system from becoming overwhelmed. The scheme specifically excludes individuals convicted of rape, serious child sexual offences, and grooming.
However, some individuals convicted of manslaughter, including two involved in the death of PC Andrew Harper, will be eligible for early release. Mr Burnham stated in an article for the Telegraph that he had hoped to prevent more convicts from being released early, some having served only a third of their sentences. He wrote, “The truth is I wanted to go even further … I have pushed to the very limits of what is possible to do.”
The government stated that this managed early release is the result of months of planning and legislation, designed to avert issues with prison capacity. Mr Burnham had paused the scheme upon entering office due to mounting criticism, but ultimately proceeded with the decision.