UK ministers clash over early release of rapists and child groomers

Conservative business secretary Kemi Badenoch announced she will force a vote to exclude convicted rapists, paedophiles and grooming gang members from the government's early release scheme under the Sentencing Act 2026. The motion will be debated in the House of Commons, with Badenoch urging MPs to keep “vile sex offenders” behind bars.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Andy Burnham is reportedly reviewing how to prevent child sex offenders from benefiting from the same scheme. His team is examining whether legislative changes are needed to exempt these offenders, as the early‑release model is set to begin in September and could see the first 700 prisoners freed earlier than originally intended.