UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has paused the government’s planned early prison release scheme following mounting public concern over its potential impact on public safety. The policy, which was due to begin in September, was designed to ease severe overcrowding in prisons by allowing some eligible inmates to be released earlier under an earned progression system. However, the proposal sparked widespread criticism after reports suggested that two of the men convicted over the killing of PC Andrew Harper could qualify for early release. In response, Burnham ordered an urgent review, stating that public protection must remain the government’s top priority before any changes are implemented.

The decision has been welcomed by victims’ families, campaigners and criminal justice experts who argued that the scheme required stronger safeguards for serious offenders. While the pause has created uncertainty within the prison and probation services, ministers have indicated that the review will examine whether the policy can be revised rather than abandoned altogether. The government continues to face the challenge of tackling prison overcrowding while balancing the rights of victims and maintaining confidence in the justice system.