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Question
Victims of serious crimes like rape or child grooming are receiving letters stating that their perpetrators will be released early due to sentencing changes by this Labour Government. Previous Governments excluded serious sexual offenders in early release schemes, raising the question: do Labour MPs support releasing such criminals now?
Minister reply
The previous Labour and Conservative Governments left prisons at bursting point with only 500 places added over 14 years. The Conservatives released prisoners secretly without proper notification to victims. We will not let that chaos happen again.
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Question
Recognising the increase in child rapists going to prison under this Government, can we ensure better risk assessments for release schemes considering victim safety and public protection?
Minister reply
We have invested £700 million into probation services and recruited more officers than ever before. The average officer's caseload is coming down, unlike the record highs seen under previous administrations.
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Question
The MP pays tribute to victims and survivors of heinous crimes, asking about support for those retraumatised by early release notices. She inquires about the first annual review of probation resources and asks if the Government can guarantee no victim will receive short or no notice of their perpetrator's release.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the importance of victim support, stating £15 million has been invested in these services and there is a plan for an annual review of probation resourcing. He emphasises that victims involved with the contact service will be notified properly about releases.
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Question
The MP criticises the release scheme, citing specific cases like Shabir Ahmed from a grooming gang. He requests urgent review of such cases.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees to look into the case urgently and meet the MP soon, noting that current legislation does not apply to past convictions and will be implemented in September.
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Question
Referring to Fiona Goddard's situation, the MP asks for a guarantee that perpetrators will not be released early.
Minister reply
The Minister expresses his respect for Robbie Moore’s work on this issue and acknowledges the long-standing failure of previous governments to address it. He promises to review specific cases and meet with the MP urgently.
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Question
Concerning tagging effectiveness, monitoring released prisoners in Harlow, and low conviction rates for rape cases.
Minister reply
The Minister highlights record-high convictions for child sexual offences and states robust community measures including exclusion zones and 24/7 tracking are being implemented to ensure public safety.
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Question
Regarding early release of perpetrators responsible for abuse in West Yorkshire, the MP seeks assurance that they will serve full sentences.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees to meet with the hon. Member and her constituent to review specific cases.
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Question
Referring to a constituent's case of a perpetrator sentenced for multiple sexual crimes, asking how such heinous crimes are eligible for early release.
Minister reply
The Minister offers to meet the hon. Member and his constituent to discuss specifics of the case.
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Question
Requesting a pledge from the minister that all those convicted of rape or child grooming are excluded from early release schemes.
Minister reply
The Minister asserts they will always do what is necessary to maintain a functioning criminal justice system and prison safety.
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Question
The British people will be disgusted at the prospect of rapists and child groomers being released early. Reform advocates mandatory whole life sentences for these criminals, arguing there is no shortage of prison places to accommodate them.
Minister reply
Deportation of foreign national offenders under this Government is at record highs. The justice spokesperson for Reform, Sarah Pochin, suggested impractical solutions like incarcerating 1.2 million people annually. There's no serious plan from Reform that ensures public safety.
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Question
Under the Sentencing Act, rapists and child groomers will be released early, undermining Labour’s rape gang inquiry and suggesting a lack of seriousness from Labour in addressing these issues.
Minister reply
The previous Conservative Government's response to such inquiries was described as 'inconsequential' by Professor Alexis Jay. Victims waited years for action but received nothing.
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Question
Richard Tung, a convicted child rapist, was not remanded to custody before his sentencing despite the delay in his police interview. The MP seeks clarity on why this happened and asks for measures to ensure cross-border cooperation between police forces.
Minister reply
Questions regarding remand are judicial matters. The Minister will look into the particulars of the cross-border issue and local protective agency coordination.
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Question
The Prime Minister's refusal to answer straight questions about early releases of rapists and child abusers indicates either ignorance or reluctance to provide answers.
Minister reply
Impact assessments published during the Sentencing Act’s passage contain these numbers.
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Question
Given that rapists and child abusers are included in early release schemes, will the Minister guarantee an adequately staffed, funded, and equipped Probation Service to monitor them closely?
Minister reply
Lord Timpson has undertaken significant reforms backed by investment to ensure a robust probation system.
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Question
Why are rapists and child abusers included in the early release scheme, despite being considered among the most heinous crimes? What is the number of individuals this affects?
Minister reply
More than 18,000 offenders serving life and extended sentences, including rapists and those who committed the most serious offences, are unaffected by the Sentencing Act provisions. The previous Government left no prison places available.
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Question
The news that a child groomer found guilty via social media could be released early causes distress among victims. What progress has been made on increasing prison places and strengthening the Probation Service in the south-west?
Minister reply
Engagement with victims is crucial to ensure their voice is heard, unlike under the previous Government which had to rush communications.
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Question
How many rapists and sexual offenders will be released early under the Sentencing Act?
Minister reply
7,500 prison places will be saved as a result of the Act.
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Question
The Government failed to deliver 3,500 prison places due to inaction and reliance on a bankrupt contractor. How many rapists and child sexual abusers will be released from the MP’s constituency prison?
Minister reply
Under Labour, 3,500 net prison places have been built compared to only 500 by the previous Conservative Government.
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Question
Releasing rapists early undermines confidence in the justice system. How do Ministers plan to instil confidence and sustain prosecutions?
Minister reply
Confidence in the system is crucial, but a lack of prison places and court backlog undermines this completely.
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Question
Early release of child rapists risks undermining victims' confidence in coming forward. How do Ministers plan to sustain prosecutions?
Minister reply
Difficult decisions are necessary to ensure the criminal justice system functions effectively, with more criminals being behind bars by the end of this Parliament.
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Question
My constituents are horrified by early releases. Will convicted rapists and child groomers receive 'get out of jail' cards? Can the Minister review these changes urgently?
Minister reply
Difficult decisions must be made to save the criminal justice system, ensuring more criminals are behind bars than ever before.