Prime Minister Andy Burnham has intervened to ensure that "vile groomers" are not released early from prison, following concerns that some grooming gang offenders could exploit a loophole in the early release scheme. The government is now "urgently" identifying any such cases.
Government Response
A government spokesperson confirmed that Burnham has "personally intervened" to ensure that "everything possible is being done so that vile groomers are dealt with in the way their victims deserve." This comes as the government aims to reduce prison overcrowding through early releases.
Around 5,000 people are expected to be released early under the sentencing changes, down from 6,000 after ministers excluded rapists and "serious" child sex offenders from the scheme.
Loophole Concerns
Critics have questioned the scope of exemptions after The Times reported that some men convicted in historical grooming gang cases could be among those freed. Some offences occurred before sexual abuse laws were changed in 2003, and perpetrators were charged with crimes like indecent assault, which are not excluded from the scheme starting in October.
Political Reaction
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch wrote to Burnham on Wednesday, demanding answers and accusing the government of "yet another betrayal of the victims." After the government's statement on Thursday, Badenoch responded: "Another U-turn secured … and another review from Burnham following my letter." She added: "How many more reviews do we need before Andy Burnham does the common-sense thing and bans all of these monsters from early release? The brave survivors have been put through hell by this process. They deserve so much better."
