Rapists Banned from Labour’s Early Prison Release Scheme

Prime Minister Andy Burnham ordered an emergency review last week of the early release policy originally implemented by former Justice Secretary David Lammy. The scheme, which had been scheduled to commence on September 2, would have freed approximately 6,000 inmates before their standard release dates.

Justice Secretary Alex Norris and Burnham have reportedly received proposals that would bar all convicted rapists from participating in the programme, according to intelligence gathered by The Telegraph. However, individuals convicted of manslaughter—including two of the offenders responsible for the death of PC Andrew Harper—may still qualify for early release under the current administration.

Scheme Details and Exemptions

The “earned progression” initiative was designed to address Britain’s growing prison population crisis. Under its terms, serious offenders would have been released at the halfway point of their sentences rather than after serving two-thirds. Lower-level criminals could have been freed after completing just one-third of their terms.

Analysis by The Telegraph indicates that approximately 220 child rapists and an additional 344 rapists would be excluded if the proposed exemptions are implemented.

Jury Trial Reforms Under Scrutiny

Burnham is also reconsidering plans to limit access to jury trials, another Lammy-era policy that has drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates.

On Friday, the Prime Minister stated his reservations about restricting jury access, saying he wanted to examine the proposal in detail before confirming any inherited plans and was probably looking for changes.

The review has effectively paused what would have been one of the most significant shifts in Britain’s criminal justice system in recent years, with thousands of serious offenders facing imminent release before public and parliamentary outcry forced a reconsideration.

With information from GB News