Home secretary acknowledges errors in letters regarding prisoners’ early release
Grooming gang victims have mistakenly received letters concerning the early release of their perpetrators from prison, the home secretary has confirmed, reports BritPanorama.
Shabana Mahmood informed MPs on the Home Affairs committee that a “series of letters” were sent incorrectly by the Ministry of Justice following government plans to release certain criminals early, which has led to “a huge amount of fear among victims.”
This situation was highlighted during inquiries by Conservative MP Robbie Moore regarding claims made by grooming gang survivor and campaigner Fiona Goddard, who said she had been informed her perpetrator would be released early.
Mahmood clarified that Ms. Goddard had been sent a letter with incorrect information about the release circumstances of one of her offenders, describing it not as an instance of early release. She assured the committee she would communicate further details to Moore.
“I think there has been a problem over at the Ministry of Justice, where a series of letters have been sent out incorrectly, causing a huge amount of fear amongst victims,” she stated. Mahmood also noted that the new Lord Chancellor is focused on ensuring that apologies are issued for the wrong letters sent and that accurate information is provided to victim survivors.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has faced significant backlash regarding the government’s plans to ease prison overcrowding by allowing early releases. Current regulations permit some prisoners to be released after serving 40 percent of their sentence, rather than the standard 50 percent. This is poised to change further under the newly enacted Sentencing Act 2026, which lowers the threshold for early release to one-third of a fixed-term sentence.
In response to public outcry, Burnham has since announced that those imprisoned for rape, serious child sexual offences, and grooming will be excluded from early release consideration.
Additionally, at the end of August, Burnham affirmed that offenders sentenced for manslaughter, causing death by dangerous driving, and related offences would also be exempt from upcoming sentencing changes.
When asked if he would extend an apology to victims and their families suffering from “significant distress” due to the early release prospects, Burnham remarked, “I do understand their anguish.”
He continued, “I listened to what they were saying – I came in and asked for changes to the early release scheme, and we excluded rape, grooming, and child sex offences.”
Burnham added that he was not satisfied with the initial measures and urged for more extensive exclusions, which now also involve cases of death by dangerous driving and other manslaughter offences. He expressed hope for reassurance to families affected, stating, “I believe we’re coming to the right position.”
As the situation evolves, the focus remains on how the government addresses these significant concerns raised by victims and their advocates.
