Andy Burnham this week promised to review the early release of rapists, paedophiles and killers. The Conservatives have been fighting the early release of these criminals for months. The Government’s Sentencing Act means thousands of prisoners will be eligible for early release after only one third of their sentence.
When Labour passed the Act, due to come into effect in September, the Conservatives sought to amend it so that serious criminals like rapists and sex offenders were excluded.The horrific news of the possible release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers has brought this issue into sharp focus and follows numerous brave victims of rape coming forward to share their experiences after being informed that their perpetrators may be released from September.
Instead of a vacuous promise to ‘review’ the scheme that Labour MPs voted for, the Conservative Party argue this is not enough and Andy Burnham should back Conservatives’ emergency legislation currently in Parliament that will ensure those who have committed heinous crimes are not released early.
Richard Fuller MP said:
Imagine fighting for years for justice, only to learn your abuser could be released early?
The Government’s plan to release perpetrators of serious violence and sexual offences after serving just half their sentence does just that. That is why my Party has been calling for this concerning scheme to be halted.
While it is welcome that the new Prime Minister has agreed to pause these plans and review the policy, critical questions remain. What is the purpose of the review? How will a "pause" work in practice, given the law is set to take effect on 2 September, the day after Parliament returns?
This isn’t about scoring political points; it’s about public safety. The Conservative Party’s offer to help pass emergency legislation to stop the scheme is about ensuring just that.
Instead, victims are now left in limbo. Not only does releasing serious offenders’ early risk public safety but it also risks re-traumatising survivors who have already fought (in many cases against undue scepticism) for justice and accountability.
