Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham demanding that the early release scheme be amended to exclude domestic abusers, violent offenders, terrorists, and sexual offenders from consideration. Champion argues that existing safeguards—electronic tagging, curfews, and area bans—fail to adequately manage such high-risk prisoners, particularly those involved in abuse and exploitation networks, leaving victims in a state of fear. She also highlights a critical shortage of 2,200 probation staff, questioning whether the system can safely manage mass releases of these offenders.

The government paused the controversial scheme after public concern that prisoners including PC Andrew Harper's killers might qualify for release after serving one-third of their sentences. The rollout, originally planned for September under the Sentencing Act 2026, has been delayed to October for urgent review. Whilst Burnham acknowledged Champion's concerns, he stated that broader exemptions risk prison system collapse and greater public danger. The government is pairing the scheme pause with victim support funding, a new helpline, and a commitment to build 14,000 new prison places by 2031.