Prime Minister Andy Burnham has intervened to pause the early prisoner release scheme that was scheduled to begin in September. In a statement, Burnham emphasized that public safety remains his top priority and announced an immediate halt to the policy pending an urgent review.
Immediate pause ordered
Burnham stated: "Keeping the public safe will always be my top priority. I am working closely with the new Justice Secretary and have instructed my team to put a pause on the changes that were due to start in September. No prisoners will be let out under this policy until we have conducted an urgent review and done everything we can to minimise risk to the public. Where changes are needed, we will not hesitate to make them."
Review and next steps
The pause affects the early release program that would have seen certain prisoners released before completing their full sentences. The review will assess potential risks and determine whether modifications are necessary before any releases occur. The Prime Minister's office confirmed that the Justice Secretary will lead the review, with findings expected in the coming weeks.
