John Hunt, a BBC sports commentator, has joined more than 30 bereaved families in urging the Labour Party to prevent further early releases of prisoners convicted of voluntary manslaughter. The call comes as part of an open letter addressed to Justice Secretary Alex Norris, which seeks to exclude inmates convicted of this offense from the existing early release scheme.

Hunt’s family was tragically affected in 2024 when his wife, Carol, 61, and daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were killed in a crossbow attack by convicted rapist Kyle Clifford. Hunt and his surviving daughter Amy, 32, are among the signatories expressing concern that justice for victims may be undermined by the current early release provisions.

The letter highlights a “growing sense that justice for victims [is] being compromised,” emphasizing the emotional impact on families affected by violent crimes. The signatories are specifically targeting the inclusion of voluntary manslaughter convictions in the early release scheme, which currently permits offenders to be freed before completing their sentences.

Labour is reportedly reviewing the scheme following public backlash over the eligibility of two killers of Police Constable Andrew Harper, who were convicted of unlawful act manslaughter—a category considered a form of involuntary manslaughter. In response, the party is contemplating barring those convicted of unlawful act manslaughter from early release. However, voluntary manslaughter remains eligible under the scheme, prompting calls for a broader revision.

The debate centers on the distinction between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. While Labour appears willing to exclude those convicted of involuntary manslaughter from early release, advocates like Hunt argue that voluntary manslaughter convictions should likewise be excluded, citing the severity and circumstances of these crimes.

The early release program was designed to manage prison populations and encourage rehabilitation, but critics maintain that it risks minimizing the seriousness of certain violent offenses. Supporters of maintaining the scheme’s current scope contend that its framework balances justice with opportunities for reintegration.

As discussions continue, bereaved families hope that policy adjustments will better reflect their concerns and priorities, ensuring that decisions around early release appropriately consider the impact on victims and their relatives.