Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch has strongly criticized the government's Sentencing Act, asserting that it facilitates the early release of convicted rapists, paedophiles, and child groomers. Badenoch described the act as "disgusting" and "abhorrent," vowing that the Conservatives would oppose it.
According to Badenoch, the legislation means that a range of offenders, including those convicted of severe violent and sexual crimes, are being released from prison earlier than their court-imposed sentences dictate. She cited the case of Fiona Goddard, a survivor of grooming gang abuse, who reportedly received a letter from the Prison Service indicating that the individuals responsible for her rape and sexual assault could be released sooner than anticipated.
Badenoch stated that the Conservative party opposed the Sentencing Act from its inception, advocating for a common-sense approach that prioritizes the interests of victims of violent and sexual crimes over those of the perpetrators. She mentioned that Conservative shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan had attempted to prevent rapists, grooming gang offenders, paedophiles, and other dangerous sexual predators from benefiting from early release.
"Labour and the Liberal Democrats voted against his amendment," Badenoch wrote. "Even worse, Labour ministers assured victims that the most serious offenders would not be released early."
Badenoch highlighted Goddard's courage in speaking out about her experiences and noted that survivors of abuse are being forced to relive their trauma due to the act. She announced that numerous survivors would be visiting Parliament to voice their concerns directly to Members of Parliament.
In conjunction with the survivors' visit, the Conservatives plan to force a parliamentary vote aimed at preventing the early release of serious sexual offenders. Badenoch addressed the presumptive incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, stating, "Andy Burnham has said he doesn't think sexual abusers should be released early. He is about to become prime minister. If he's serious about standing up for victims then he should put his money where his mouth is and vote with the Conservatives, and tell the MPs courting his favour to do the same. This should not be a partisan issue."
Badenoch concluded by asserting that women and children should not bear the consequences of a government that has failed to manage the prison capacity crisis effectively.