Around a thousand fewer inmates will receive early release

Justice Secretary's decision reduces the number of early releases after excluding those convicted of rape and serious crimes against children.

On August 4, 2026, the United Kingdom government announced that about a thousand fewer inmates will be eligible for early release. The measure is part of an adjustment to the early release programme rules, which now excludes those convicted of rape, serious offences against children, and acts of grooming.

Change in the number of early releases

Justice Secretary Alex Norris said that 5,000 inmates will be released over ten months, starting in October, in England and Wales. The original plan projected 6,000 releases from September, meaning a reduction of roughly a thousand cases.

Exclusion criteria for convicted offenders

The exclusion covers individuals convicted of rape, serious crimes against minors, and grooming, as announced by the Prime Minister. The decision was made to alleviate prison overcrowding, after pressure from parliamentarians, victims, activists, and prison staff.

Reaction of victims' families

Debbie Adlam, mother of police officer Andrew Harper, said her family is "paying the price" upon learning that her son's killers remain eligible for the early release programme. She said the family feels once again sidelined and that there are still answers to be found.

Government stance on security and support

Norris stated that it would not be possible to go further in restricting releases without breaking the prison system, which would jeopardize the capacity to incarcerate, to imprison new offenders, and to keep courts functioning. The government also announced tougher community supervision measures, including GPS monitoring for sexual offenders, and allocated £10 million to a new victim-support package, with specialised contact and a national helpline.

Expansion plans and political criticism

The Prime Minister said 14,000 new prison places will be built by 2031 and that the Justice Secretary will review indefinite sentences handed down between 2005 and 2012, as well as consider the possibility of more early releases for women, given their lower perceived dangerousness. However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said violent criminals will still be released from prisons in October, underscoring the need to increase capacity, rent cells abroad and deport foreigners to reduce overcrowding.

With information from The Guardian.