Prime Minister Andy Burnham has halted a controversial early release scheme for up to 6,000 prisoners across England and Wales, announcing an urgent review after widespread criticism from crime victims and probation unions. The decision, confirmed on Wednesday, delays a policy that was due to begin in September and had drawn sharp opposition over concerns that serious offenders, including killers, rapists, and sex abusers, could be freed on electronic tags.
Burnham stated that keeping the public safe remains his top priority, and the review will aim to minimise any risk to communities. The move comes just days after the government unveiled a business rates cut for hospitality venues, which had dominated the political agenda. The early release plan, inherited from the previous administration, was intended to alleviate chronic overcrowding in prisons, but critics argued it was rushed and poorly designed.
The Probation Union had raised serious doubts about the scheme, warning that releasing thousands of inmates without adequate supervision could lead to chaos and increased reoffending. Victims' groups also voiced alarm, particularly over the prospect of violent criminals being monitored only by tags rather than through intensive probation oversight. Burnham's intervention follows a series of high-profile cases where offenders released early under similar programmes had committed further crimes.
Under the paused plan, prisoners serving fixed-term sentences for certain offences would have been eligible for release after serving a reduced portion of their term, with the remainder spent on licence. However, the government now says no releases will take place until the review is complete. The Ministry of Justice is expected to examine alternative measures, including greater investment in prison capacity and community-based rehabilitation programmes.
The announcement marks a significant shift for Burnham, who had previously signalled support for reducing the prison population as part of broader justice reforms. His decision to pause the scheme reflects the political sensitivity of the issue, particularly after a series of violent incidents involving individuals who had been released early under previous policies. The opposition has accused the government of sending mixed messages, having initially defended the plan as necessary to prevent the justice system from collapsing under the weight of overcrowding.
Business groups, meanwhile, welcomed the separate move to cut business rates for pubs, clubs, and other hospitality venues, which is expected to save a typical pub around £1,100 annually. Nearly 32,000 hospitality businesses across England will benefit from the discount, part of a broader effort to stimulate economic growth. However, the early release controversy has overshadowed these measures, dominating the news cycle and prompting questions about the government's overall approach to criminal justice.
Kemi Badenoch, a prominent Conservative figure, criticised Burnham during a speech in central London, arguing that he is still thinking like a mayor rather than a prime minister. She claimed his ambitions for Britain are too small and urged him to focus on backing businesses, innovators, and investors across all sectors of the economy. Her remarks highlight the ongoing political tensions surrounding Burnham's leadership, as he balances progressive reforms with the need to maintain public confidence in the justice system.
The review is expected to report back within weeks, with the government under pressure to find a solution that addresses both prison overcrowding and public safety. In the meantime, the pause has been welcomed by victim support organisations, though they caution that any eventual scheme must include robust safeguards. The development also raises broader questions about the future of sentencing policy in England and Wales, as the government grapples with rising inmate numbers and limited resources.
