Early release scheme could see dangerous criminals released, Conservatives warn

Dangerous criminals could be freed under the government's early release scheme for England and Wales, the Conservatives have warned.

Shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy told the BBC that to prevent one group of dangerous criminals being released early, Andy Burnham was "looking at releasing a different group of dangerous prisoners".

The prime minister said at the weekend anyone convicted of manslaughter would be excluded from the early prisoner release scheme, following a campaign from PC Andrew Harper's family to block the release of two men convicted over his killing in 2019.

He said prison space would be found by releasing some inmates serving indefinite sentences, known as IPPs as well as by deporting foreign prisoners.

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On Monday Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones told the BBC: "We will do nothing that would risk the public or put the public at danger."

Under the early release scheme some 4,500 prisoners are now expected to start being released in tranches from October to ease overcrowding in jails.