Prisons ‘one major event from disaster’ after U-turn on early release scheme
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reversed an early release scheme for prisoners, citing concerns over public safety and pressure from victims' groups. The decision excludes violent offenders, such as those convicted of manslaughter and sexual offenses, but critics warn the move leaves the prison system dangerously overcrowded.
Why it matters
This policy shift highlights the ongoing tension between prison capacity management and public demand for punitive justice in the UK.
HMP Wormwood Scrubs in London. Offenders guilty of manslaughter, rapists, child sexual abusers and groomers will not be eligible for early release. HMP Wormwood Scrubs in London. Offenders guilty of manslaughter, rapists, child sexual abusers and groomers will not be eligible for early release. Prisons and probation Prisons ‘one major event from disaster’ after U-turn on early release scheme Critics say the move, which will keep PC Harper’s killers in jail, leaves number of prison spaces ‘too close to the bone’
Prefer the Guardian on Google PC Andrew Harper’s killers will remain behind bars after a critical intervention by Andy Burnham , but the move has led to warnings that overcrowded prisons will be left “one major event away from disaster”.
Announcing a U-turn on the early release scheme after weeks of intense pressure, Burnham said he understood “how strongly people feel about this issue”.
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