Andy Burnham's political honeymoon has ended abruptly after less than two weeks, with his early prison release scheme drawing comparisons to Margaret Thatcher's poll tax. The policy, defended with the mantra 'There Is No Alternative' (TINA), has ignited public fury and prompted predictions of a Labour U-turn.
Public Outrage Over Early Releases
The scheme, which allows the early release of killers, violent domestic abusers, and cop-killers, has been justified by ministers as the only solution to overcrowded prisons. However, critics argue that alternatives exist, including prison ships, disused army barracks, prefabricated emergency jails, renting foreign prison space, releasing non-violent women prisoners on licence, and deporting foreign criminals.
Richard Madeley, in a scathing opinion piece, highlighted the case of Lissie Harper, whose husband PC Andrew Harper was killed by three thieves just days after their wedding. The men convicted of his manslaughter, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, are among those released early under the scheme, sparking particular outrage.
Comparison to Historical Failures
Madeley draws parallels between Burnham's early release scheme and other politically disastrous policies, including Thatcher's poll tax, Liz Truss's mini-budget, and Keir Starmer's winter fuel allowance cut. He argues that these were all doomed from the start, yet politicians persisted despite obvious public opposition.
The article suggests that the government's insistence on TINA is reminiscent of Thatcher's tactic to shut down debate, and predicts that public pressure will force a U-turn, just as it did with the poll tax.
