Burnham to review early prisoner release scheme amid anger over potential freeing of PC Harper’s killers - UK politics live
Andy Burnham has pledged to review the government's early prisoner release scheme following public backlash regarding the potential release of serious offenders. The policy, set to begin in September, aims to alleviate prison overcrowding.
Why it matters
The review highlights the tension between managing prison capacity and public safety concerns regarding sentencing policies.
We have more from Bath where the prime minister has been speaking to reporters.
Andy Burnham has indicated that he would review the early prisoner release policy before it goes ahead.
Hundreds of offenders will start being released early under the new Sentencing Act from September. Unlike the emergency measures in the early months of the Labour government, in which tens of thousands of prisoners were released as prisons ran out of space, the new sentencing law includes no exemptions for prisoners convicted of serious crimes, domestic abuse or terrorism.
PA has reported more of Burnham’s remarks:
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