Key facts
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved an early prisoner release scheme to address prison overcrowding.
- The scheme excludes individuals convicted of rape, serious child sexual offenses, and grooming.
- Some prisoners convicted of manslaughter, including those related to PC Andrew Harper's death, are eligible for release.
- Burnham expressed frustration over the decision, stating he pushed to the limits of what was possible.
- The decision follows months of planning and legislation under the Sentencing Act.
- Victims' families have voiced opposition to the early release of perpetrators.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has encountered his first significant challenge to his popularity with a decision regarding the early release of prisoners. The scheme, intended to alleviate overcrowding in the prison system, has drawn criticism from victims' families, despite exclusions for those convicted of serious sexual offenses.