Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is urging Labour Members of Parliament, including potential Prime Minister Andy Burnham, to support a bid to block the early release of sex offenders. The government's plans, introduced under Labour's Sentencing Act, are being described by Badenoch as "abhorrent" and likely to force victims to "relive the trauma" they endured.
The Conservative party plans to force a parliamentary vote to prevent the early release of rapists and sex offenders, a measure designed to alleviate overcrowding in prisons. This move places Labour MPs in a difficult position, potentially requiring them to oppose legislation championed by their own party's incoming leadership or vote against the Conservative proposal.
Badenoch is scheduled to meet with grooming gang victims in Parliament ahead of an Opposition Day debate in the House of Commons. She has characterized Labour's measures as "disgusting, abhorrent and will be opposed by anyone with any shred of decency." She also stated it is "outrageous" that victims are reportedly having to relive trauma due to the justice system's actions.
Badenoch highlighted that Andy Burnham has previously expressed opposition to the early release of sexual abusers. "He is about to become Prime Minister," Badenoch said. "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."
Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy echoed concerns, calling Labour's early release measures a "betrayal of victims." He stated that many victims have not been adequately informed about the potential early release of offenders who committed serious crimes against them.
The Sentencing Act, passed earlier this year, allows most criminals, including some sex offenders, to be released after serving one-third of their sentence if they exhibit good behavior. Some rapists will be eligible for release after serving half their sentence, a reduction from the previous two-thirds requirement.
The Ministry of Justice has reportedly sent letters to over 7,300 victims, warning them that offenders may qualify for early release. These releases are scheduled to occur in stages between September and June of next year. Aides to Andy Burnham are reportedly examining options to exclude child sex offenders from this scheme and are considering whether primary legislation is needed to reverse the effects of the Act.
The debate follows a call by Burnham for ministers to pursue the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, a ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, who was recently released from jail. Borders minister Alex Norris stated that efforts to deport Ahmed are ongoing, and all options are being considered.
One victim, Fiona Goddard, who waived her right to anonymity, described the situation as feeling "failed all over again." She explained that learning about potential early releases has caused significant distress, impacting her physical and mental health to the point of hospitalization. Jessica, another victim who was abused from the age of 12, expressed feelings of worthlessness and fear, stating, "I just can't believe … I've now got to think about them coming out. It's soul-crushing."
The Conservatives intend to propose a vote in the Commons calling for the immediate exemption of any offender convicted of a sexual offense from these early release measures. Shadow Justice Minister Dr Kieran Mullan urged Labour and the Liberal Democrats to decide "whose side they are on."