The government has partially reversed its early prisoner release scheme, excluding rapists after months of campaigning by victims and the Conservative Party, Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy has written.
The Prime Minister sought to reassure victims of the early release policy on Monday, saying: "I understand their anger and anxiety. More than that, I share it."
Lissie Harper, the widow of PC Harper, who was killed on duty in Berkshire in 2019, said she is "beyond appalled" that two of his killers will be released before completing their full sentences.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris apologized to Harper while announcing the policy, telling her: "I'm very sorry we are in this situation."
Despite the U-turn on rapists, thousands of criminals, including paedophiles, killers and sexual abusers, will still be released after serving as little as a third of their sentences, according to Timothy. He said Andy Burnham's "search for a quick victory has fallen flat" in the face of victims whose offenders will still be set free.
Extra prison places found
The government has found 1,000 places within the prison estate to house more offenders, Timothy wrote. He questioned why the public should believe Labour now, when it said just a month earlier that there was no alternative.
Conservative calculations and Timpson's comments
Lord Timpson, the former prisons minister, said it was not possible to know which criminals would be released, or when. Conservative Party calculations found that 2,500 rapists and paedophiles would have been eligible for early release under Labour's original scheme, Timothy said.
Timothy calls for emergency legislation
Timothy said he proposed a Bill in July that would stop the release of sex offenders, child abusers and serious violent criminals. He said Labour must introduce emergency laws in September, warning that the schedule of releases is due to start in October.
