Kemi Badenoch Raises Alarm Over Potential Early Release of Child Sex Offenders

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has vocally opposed the potential early release of individuals convicted of child sex offences, describing such actions as a 'betrayal of victims'. Her comments follow the Justice Secretary's instruction for an urgent review of a scheme designed to reduce overcrowding within the prison system.

Under the 'End of Custody Supervised Licence' programme, certain prisoners can be released up to 18 days before their scheduled date. Introduced in October 2023, the scheme has seen approximately 4,000 prisoners released early. Initially, those convicted of serious violent or sexual offences were excluded. However, modifications in March 2024 broadened the eligibility criteria, allowing for the early release of inmates serving sentences of less than four years, regardless of their original offence.

This policy adjustment has drawn sharp criticism, with Badenoch stating that 'the public expect serious criminals to serve their time'. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has now called for an immediate re-evaluation of the scheme's scope, particularly regarding the categories of offenders included. The government faces increasing pressure to address the underlying issues of prison capacity without compromising public safety or the integrity of judicial sentencing.