UK PM Burnham Defends Prison Decongestion Plan, Excludes Rapists, Child Sex Offenders

United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham has defended his government's controversial plan to ease prison overcrowding through the early release of some inmates, insisting the measure is necessary to prevent the prison system from collapsing. However, he announced that rapists, serious child sex offenders and grooming offenders will be excluded from the scheme following public backlash and consultations with victims' groups.

Burnham said the revised policy strikes a balance between protecting public safety and addressing the growing crisis in England and Wales' prisons, which are operating close to full capacity. He noted that while the government had considered broader exemptions, the severe shortage of prison spaces limited its options.

Under the revised plan, around 5,000 eligible prisoners will be released early over a 10-month period beginning in October, down from the original estimate of 6,000. The changes followed widespread criticism from victims' families, campaigners and opposition politicians, who argued that releasing serious offenders early would undermine public confidence in the justice system.

Despite the revisions, the policy continues to attract criticism because some offenders convicted of crimes such as manslaughter and domestic abuse may still qualify for early release if they meet the eligibility conditions. Victims' advocates have urged the government to tighten the rules further, warning that some survivors could remain at risk.

Burnham said the government is also expanding prison capacity, strengthening community supervision for released offenders and increasing support for victims as part of wider criminal justice reforms. He maintained that the changes are intended to prevent a breakdown of the prison system while ensuring that the most dangerous sexual offenders remain behind bars.