The Prime Minister has announced a halt to all early prison releases pending an urgent review, stating that public safety is the top priority. This decision comes amid concerns about the scheme's potential risks. Kemi Badenoch welcomed the pause but insisted that offenders convicted of serious crimes, including killers, rapists, and child abusers, should be permanently exempt from such policies. Meanwhile, Angela Rayner has stated she will not return a £16,876 severance payment she received upon leaving government. In related political news, three senior Labour ministers are set to work from Andy Burnham's new 'No10 North' office in Manchester.