Lammy: Ending early release for sex offenders could fill jails to capacity
7 reported
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy stated that opponents of the early release plan for rapists and sex offenders have "no solutions" to prevent a possible collapse of the criminal justice system. Lammy said failing to implement the scheme could leave no capacity across jails in England and Wales by November. Killers, rapists, and sex offenders are among more than 5,000 prisoners set to be freed early from September, serving half their sentences instead of the current two-thirds. Lammy made the comments while visiting HMP Wandsworth with former Conservative home secretary Amber Rudd, who is leading a review into drugs, violence, and organized crime in prisons. Rudd said she plans to draw inspiration from prison systems in Spain and Scandinavia, as well as changes in Texas.
What’s reported
David Lammy said opponents of early release for sex offenders have "no solutions" to halt the criminal justice system's possible collapse.
Lammy warned that failing to implement the scheme could leave no capacity across jails in England and Wales in November.
More than 5,000 prisoners, including those convicted of manslaughter, rape, grievous bodily harm, and sex offences, will be freed early from September.
Eligible prisoners will serve half their sentences instead of the current minimum of two-thirds.
Several Labour MPs said they would push for the plans to be dropped if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister on 20 July.
Lammy said he has been "in dialogue" with Burnham's team about the early-release scheme.
Amber Rudd was recently appointed to lead a review into tackling drugs, violence, and organised crime in prisons.
Key figures
David Lammy, deputy prime minister, lord chancellor, and justice secretary
Jess Phillips, former safeguarding minister
Claire Waxman, victims' commissioner
Andy Burnham, former Greater Manchester mayor
James Purnell, chief of staff to Andy Burnham
Amber Rudd, former Conservative home secretary
Sources: The Guardian
