- Prime minister Andy Burnham has announced a comprehensive review of the previous government's early release scheme for prisoners.
- This review comes in response to widespread public outrage and concerns from PC Andrew Harper's mother regarding the potential early release of two individuals involved in her son's killing.
- PC Harper tragically died in August 2019 after being dragged by a car during a quad bike theft; while the driver is not eligible for automatic release, two passengers could be considered for early release.
- Burnham stated he would meticulously examine the policy with the justice secretary, acknowledging the existing pressure on prison places but assuring a thorough review before any further progression of the scheme.
- Defence secretary Wes Streeting issued an apology after a video surfaced showing him joking about the new justice secretary Alex Norris wanting to 'let them all out,' a remark which Burnham later condemned as 'not acceptable'.
IN FULL
