Early Release Scheme Excludes Serious Offenders Amid Overcrowding Crisis
Revised policy allows earlier release for many, but critics warn of risks as domestic abusers set for early freedom.
Carla Rooney
The Prime Minister approved changes to the early release scheme this week.
Offenders previously serving two-thirds of their sentence now qualify for release after half. Less serious offenders will exit after one-third instead of half.
The scheme follows a pause ordered by Prime Minister Andy Burnham after the killers of PC Andrew Harper could have benefited. The reforms are due to come into force in October.
Despite these exclusions, two men convicted over the killing of PC Andrew Harper remain eligible for early release under the revised policy.
Criminals jailed for rape, serious child sex offences, and grooming will be blocked from the early release plans.
Rapists will face tougher community supervision and a new GPS monitoring system. Released criminals will be tagged to track movements and alert authorities for trespassing set boundaries.
The UK prisons system continues to face an overcrowding crisis.
More than 9,000 domestic abusers are set for early release from prison within three years under Labour's scheme.
Conservative analysis claims in excess of 9,000 domestic abusers could leave prison early before the end of this Parliament under Labour's revised prisoner release plans. The total stands at 9,371 by the end of this Parliament in 2029.
This estimate, based on Ministry of Justice data, covers offences including breaches of restraining orders, stalking, controlling or coercive behaviour, and intentional strangulation.
Around 3,000 offenders could be released from prison each year under the revised plans. Approximately 3,000 perpetrators a year are expected to walk free before completing full sentences.
Campaigners and MPs claim thousands of domestic abusers will be freed early under Labour's prison release scheme. They warn the move puts victims' lives at risk.
Not only is it deeply traumatising for these victims to know their attackers will be free to roam the streets nearby – many will be literally fearing for their life.
Suella Braverman stated, "Not only is it deeply traumatising for these victims to know their attackers will be free to roam the streets nearby – many will be literally fearing for their life."
Critics argue the policy prioritises capacity over safety for those who have already suffered. Electronic monitoring is already stretched, and prison recalls are up 28% this year.
The National Audit Office reported that almost 9,000 people required to wear an electronic tag did not have one. Nearly half of alerts and breach notifications regarding tagged individuals result in 'no further action'.
The criminal justice system secures fewer than 3,000 convictions in over 70,000 rape cases reported to the police in England and Wales each year.
Nick Timothy stated, "Labour had to be dragged into this U-turn on excluding rapists from early release after campaigning from victims. But it clearly does not go far enough and is putting victims' lives at risk. The clock is ticking... Labour need to ensure the remaining sex offenders and other serious criminals are excluded."