World News

UK government expands early prison release exemptions to cover unlawful killing

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced broader exclusions under the early release scheme, promising alternative measures to free up prison capacity.

Updated Aug 30, 2026 · 07:18 UTC5 reports

The short version

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that individuals convicted of unlawful killing, including manslaughter, indecent assault, and death by dangerous driving, will be excluded from the early prison release scheme.
The decision blocks the early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were convicted of manslaughter in 2020 for the death of PC Andrew Harper.
To offset the additional inmates remaining in custody, the government plans to terminate Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences, accelerate the deportation of foreign offenders, and adapt existing prison space for extra cells.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris is scheduled to present a detailed review and plan to Parliament in September.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced changes to the early release scheme to exempt offenders convicted of unlawful killing, indecent assault, death by dangerous driving, historic child sex offences, and causing or allowing the death of a child.[BBC News · The Guardian]
The policy change ensures that Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who received 13-year manslaughter sentences in 2020 for the 2019 death of PC Andrew Harper, will remain in prison.[BBC News · The Guardian]
To handle the hundreds of extra inmates remaining in custody, the government plans to end Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences, expedite the deportation of foreign criminals, and adapt existing facility space to add cells.[BBC News · BBC News · The Guardian]
As of late August 2026, the adult male prison estate in England and Wales was operating at over 97% capacity.[BBC News · BBC News]
More than 30 families of homicide victims previously signed an open letter requesting that all forms of manslaughter be excluded from the early release program.[BBC News · The Guardian]
The early release scheme established under the Sentencing Act 2026 is scheduled to begin implementation on October 1.[BBC News]

The exact net impact on prison capacity remains uncertain, as offsetting measures like IPP sentence reform, cell retrofitting, and foreign criminal deportations will require legislative changes and months to years to fully implement.[BBC News · BBC News]
The full precise number of prisoners who will be exempted under the latest announcement has not yet been detailed, though the justice secretary is expected to provide specific figures to Parliament.[BBC News]