Conservatives claim Labour's early-release plan could free human traffickers

Conservative politicians have expressed outrage over a proposal that could see people convicted of human trafficking, modern slavery and related crimes released before completing their sentences. Nick Timothy, the Shadow Justice Secretary, criticized Prime Minister Andy Burnham for first promising to stop the changes introduced by Labour MPs to the Sentencing Act, then limiting the pause to rapists and certain child sex offenders, while leaving other violent and sexual offenders eligible.

Timothy cited a letter from Kemi Badenoch that prompted a further review, but said the government still plans to free many dangerous criminals. He warned that this could lead to a rise in future offenses, estimating an additional 89,000 crimes. Conservatives are calling for emergency legislation to keep such offenders incarcerated.