Kemi Badenoch, a prominent Conservative Party figure, has called on the Labour government to introduce emergency legislation to prevent the early release of serious sexual and violent offenders, including rapists and killers. Badenoch urged Labour leader Andy Burnham to repeal parts of a planned early release scheme scheduled to take effect on September 2, saying the Conservatives would back such a move in Parliament.
The early release plan, which is set to allow some prisoners to be freed halfway through their sentences rather than serving two-thirds, has raised concerns due to the number of serious offenders eligible, including individuals convicted of rape, manslaughter, and other violent crimes. Badenoch criticized what she described as a failure by the government to prioritize victims' rights and expressed disappointment that offenders might be released despite public unease.
In a press conference scheduled for Tuesday, Badenoch will be joined by survivors of sexual violence, including Jade Belgrove, who was groomed and raped by a family friend. Belgrove has launched a petition opposing the early release provisions, gathering over 100,000 signatures. She emphasized the effect early releases could have on victims' willingness to report crimes, describing the prospect as deeply distressing and urging the government to reconsider.
In response to growing criticism, Labour leader Andy Burnham announced a review last week of the early release schedule affecting approximately 6,000 prisoners, including killers, rapists, and violent offenders. Burnham stated that no eligible prisoner would be released until the review determined who could safely return to the community. This announcement followed disclosures that two men convicted of manslaughter in the death of police officer Andrew Harper were among those due to be released earlier than previously expected.
However, government officials have warned that exempting a broad range of offenders from early release could worsen prison overcrowding. Internal Ministry of Justice forecasts suggest that halting the scheme entirely may lead to a shortage of prison space as soon as November. Any changes to the scheme require parliamentary approval, and Burnham’s government could recall Parliament to address the issue if necessary.
Badenoch criticized the review process as delaying action and accused Burnham’s administration of resorting to “Starmerism” — a reference to Labour leader Keir Starmer’s perceived tendency toward consultations and reviews without immediate policy changes. She called on the government to act swiftly to protect victims and restore public confidence.
Analysis of Ministry of Justice data reveals that, under the current scheme, around 220 child rapists and 344 adult rapists are eligible for early release. Among these, many have sentences exceeding 10 years. Additionally, 85 manslaughter convicts are also eligible, with 21 serving sentences longer than a decade.
A Labour Party spokesperson responded by highlighting the Conservative Party’s record on criminal justice, including the closure of 23 prisons and limited expansion of prison capacity over 15 years, as well as early releases granted during their time in government. The spokesperson criticized the Conservatives’ position as lacking credibility given this history.
The debate over early release policy places pressure on Burnham’s administration to balance public safety, victims’ rights, and prison capacity amid growing scrutiny from all political sides.