Key facts
- Prime Minister Burnham announced changes to early prison release policies.
- Hundreds of additional criminals will be kept behind bars.
- The adult male prison estate is currently at 98% capacity.
- New cells will be created in existing prisons, but this is not a short-term solution.
- The government has faced pressure regarding the early release of prisoners, particularly in relation to PC Andrew Harper's killers.
Prime Minister Burnham has announced changes to early prison release policies, a move he has sought for weeks. The announcement means hundreds of criminals who would have been released early will now remain in prison. This decision comes despite warnings from the Ministry of Justice that increasing exemptions could lead to prisons reaching capacity and collapsing.
The government plans to create extra capacity by beginning work on new cells within existing prisons, though these are not short-term solutions. Ending indefinite sentences will require new legislation, and deporting foreign offenders has historically been a challenge, with cases like Shabir Ahmed illustrating difficulties. Retrofitting prisons is also expected to take months.
In the short term, the announcement may lead to increased prison overcrowding, a concern given the adult male prison estate is already operating at 98% capacity. The decision is being described within government as "political," driven by intense pressure, particularly concerning the potential early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers.
Burnham's team is mindful of past political misjudgments and aims for a more polished operation. Downing Street was reportedly surprised by the media attention the issue received over the summer. The prime minister chose to make the announcement in an interview with BBC Breakfast, rather than a parliamentary statement, to provide certainty to victims and the public amidst mounting speculation.
This approach may risk the ire of the Speaker and could provide ammunition for the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. Concerns remain about the number of abusers still set to be freed, with the domestic abuse commissioner expressing deep worry. Whitehall sources insist no further exemptions will be made.