Justice Secretary Andy Burnham has paused the government’s planned early prison release scheme following strong criticism from victims, survivors and families affected by serious crimes.
The Sentencing Act, which was due to take effect in September, would have allowed thousands of eligible prisoners in England and Wales to leave prison earlier. The government originally proposed the changes to tackle severe overcrowding across the prison system.
Burnham said no prisoners will be released under the new arrangements until an urgent review has been completed.
Government Suspends Early Prison Release Plan
Burnham said the government must ensure that public safety remains the priority before implementing the new release arrangements.
The review will examine how the scheme would operate and whether victims and survivors receive sufficient information about offenders becoming eligible for release.
Justice Minister Alex Norris said ministers want victims and survivors to have greater certainty before any changes are introduced.
Victims’ Families Criticise Early Release
The decision follows strong opposition from victims’ organisations and families.
Among those criticising the planned changes was Lissie Harper, widow of Thames Valley Police officer PC Andrew Harper. She said the possibility of her husband’s killers being released earlier was unacceptable.
Some victims had already received letters informing them that offenders could become eligible for earlier release under the proposed system.
Campaigners argued that the notifications created additional fear and uncertainty for people who were already dealing with the consequences of serious crimes.
Sentencing Act Was Designed to Ease Prison Overcrowding
The proposed reforms were intended to reduce pressure on overcrowded prisons.
Under the planned system:
- Standard offenders could become eligible for release after serving one-third of their sentence, rather than half.
- Some serious violent and sexual offenders could become eligible after serving half their sentence, rather than two-thirds.
- The most dangerous offenders, including life prisoners, would remain excluded from the changes.
- Prisoners released early would remain subject to supervision and could be returned to custody if they breached their conditions.
The government argued that the changes were necessary to prevent the prison system from becoming overwhelmed.
Prison Capacity Problems Remain
Despite the pause, overcrowding remains a major challenge for prisons across England and Wales.
Some prison officers have warned that delaying the reforms could create additional pressure later in the year if prisoner numbers continue to increase.
Others have welcomed the government’s decision, arguing that protecting victims and the wider public should take precedence over efforts to reduce the prison population.
Review Will Decide Future of Release Scheme
The government will now examine both the proposed implementation of the Sentencing Act and the process used to notify victims about potential prisoner releases.
Officials have not yet provided a timetable for completing the review.
As a result, the future of the early release policy remains uncertain. The government will face pressure to balance public safety, victims’ rights and prison capacity as it decides whether and how to proceed with the reforms.
