Early release scheme could still see dangerous criminals released, Conservatives warn
The UK Conservative Party has criticized the government's early prisoner release scheme, warning that it may lead to the release of dangerous offenders. The scheme, intended to ease prison overcrowding, is being narrowed to exclude those convicted of manslaughter.
Why it matters
Balancing prison capacity with public safety is a major challenge for justice systems and a point of political contention.
Image source, EPA Image caption, The Conservatives warn those serving Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences could still be a danger to the public
Dangerous criminals could still be freed under the prime minister's early release scheme, shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy has told the BBC.
"In order to prevent one group of dangerous criminals being released early, he's looking at releasing a different group of dangerous prisoners", Timothy said.
Timothy's comments followed Andy Burnham's announcement that the early prisoner release scheme would be further narrowed to exclude anyone convicted of manslaughter, following a campaign from the family of PC Andrew Harper to block the release of two men convicted of his manslaughter in 2019.
Burnham said extra prison space would be found in part by releasing some inmates serving indefinite sentences, known as IPPs.
Prisoners freed early are returning to jail at rapid rate, governors tell BBC
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