Burnham faces early test over controversial prisoner early-release scheme
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has drawn criticism from Conservatives after his review left some serious offenders on a fast-track release list.
Andy Burnham’s first weeks as prime minister have been marked by a contentious early-release programme for prisoners, a policy inherited from the previous government. After ordering a review, he excluded rapists and child sex offenders but left other serious offenders, including some linked to grooming gangs and the murder of PC Andrew Harper, on the schedule. Conservatives, led by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and party leader Kemi Badenoch, have attacked the decision as a grave error.
Labour members note the chronic prison-capacity crisis and praise Burnham for confronting a tough problem rather than scoring political points. The debate is set to continue when Parliament reconvenes in September, with calls for emergency legislation to block releases of killers and child abusers.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights how the new government will handle prison overcrowding and public safety amid political pressure.
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