Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a review of the Government's early prisoner release scheme following growing concern over its potential impact on victims and public confidence in the justice system.
The decision comes after it emerged that two of the men convicted over the killing of PC Andrew Harper could become eligible for early release under provisions due to take effect later this year. The case has prompted widespread public debate, with victims' groups, police representatives and opposition politicians calling for ministers to reconsider the policy.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Burnham said he had asked Justice Secretary Alex Norris to review the policy and indicated that further announcements would be made once that work had been completed. He also confirmed that the principal offender responsible for PC Harper's death would not benefit from the early release arrangements.
The early release scheme was introduced as part of wider sentencing reforms aimed at easing pressure on prisons in England and Wales, where overcrowding has become a significant challenge. Supporters argue the measures are necessary to prevent the prison estate reaching capacity, while critics say serious offenders should continue to serve a greater proportion of their custodial sentences.
The review represents one of the first major criminal justice decisions facing the new Burnham administration. While reports suggest operational planning for the scheme may have been put on hold pending the outcome of the review, the Government has not announced that the policy has been cancelled or formally suspended. Instead, ministers have committed to examining whether changes are required before implementation continues.
The Government is expected to provide further details once the review has concluded.