Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has condemned Labour’s plans to release rapists and violent criminals from prison early, after it emerged that almost 9,000 victims have been warned that their attackers could be freed sooner than expected.
The Ministry of Justice has written to 8,711 victims of serious sexual and violent crimes, informing them that changes coming into force from September may affect when offenders in their cases are released. This number may even be an underestimate, as it only covers victims signed up to the official Victim Contact Scheme.
Farage called the plan “utterly disgraceful”.
Under Labour’s sentencing reforms, some criminals convicted of serious offences - including rape, manslaughter and grievous bodily harm - could be freed after serving just half of their sentences, rather than two-thirds.
Offenders convicted of less serious crimes could be released after serving only a third of their sentences, provided they have not committed any serious disciplinary breaches while in prison.
Farage warned that the policy would cause further distress to victims and threaten public safety.
“Not only will these victims now fear bumping into their rapist in the street, but now all women and girls will be at risk”, he said.
The government has not yet confirmed exactly how many offenders will have their release dates brought forward. Farage accused Labour of withholding the full scale of the policy from the public and of having “simply not been straight with us”. He said: “They won’t say how many are being released or who they are.”
“The establishment has lost control of our streets and allowed crime to run rampant. Now they think it’s appropriate to let even more killers and rapists walk free and continue to threaten decent people.”
Farage said that Reform UK would abolish early release and suspended sentences for violent and sexual offences and knife possession.
“Only a Reform government will take back control and crack down on crime”, he said. “We will treat crime with zero tolerance.”
The Ministry of Justice has written to 8,711 victims of serious sexual and violent crimes, informing them that changes coming into force from September may affect when offenders in their cases are released. This number may even be an underestimate, as it only covers victims signed up to the official Victim Contact Scheme.
Farage called the plan “utterly disgraceful”.
Under Labour’s sentencing reforms, some criminals convicted of serious offences - including rape, manslaughter and grievous bodily harm - could be freed after serving just half of their sentences, rather than two-thirds.
Offenders convicted of less serious crimes could be released after serving only a third of their sentences, provided they have not committed any serious disciplinary breaches while in prison.
Farage warned that the policy would cause further distress to victims and threaten public safety.
“Not only will these victims now fear bumping into their rapist in the street, but now all women and girls will be at risk”, he said.
The government has not yet confirmed exactly how many offenders will have their release dates brought forward. Farage accused Labour of withholding the full scale of the policy from the public and of having “simply not been straight with us”. He said: “They won’t say how many are being released or who they are.”
“The establishment has lost control of our streets and allowed crime to run rampant. Now they think it’s appropriate to let even more killers and rapists walk free and continue to threaten decent people.”
Farage said that Reform UK would abolish early release and suspended sentences for violent and sexual offences and knife possession.
“Only a Reform government will take back control and crack down on crime”, he said. “We will treat crime with zero tolerance.”
