Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a review of a planned early release scheme for prisoners, following strong objections from victims' groups and bereaved families. The scheme, scheduled for September, would see around 6,000 offenders, including killers, rapists, and sex offenders, released early on electronic tags.
Burnham said he wants to make sure that 'everything has been looked at again' before the releases go ahead. The decision comes after a backlash from organisations representing victims, who expressed concerns about public safety and the impact on those affected by the crimes.
The review will examine the details of the programme and whether sufficient checks are in place. The government has not yet confirmed whether the September date will be delayed or if any changes to the criteria for early release will be made.
This is not the first time early release schemes have caused controversy. Previous programmes have been criticised for releasing offenders who later committed further crimes. Burnham's government is under pressure to ensure that any releases are carefully managed and that victims' voices are heard.
The prime minister emphasised that the review is part of a broader effort to reform the justice system while balancing prison capacity and public safety. No further details on the timeline or scope of the review have been announced yet.