Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has amended his early prisoner release scheme after facing pressure, excluding rapists and serious child sex offenders, including those convicted of grooming, from qualifying for early release. The move comes as the scheme continues to draw criticism, with the prime minister acknowledging public "anxiety and distress" while warning that going further could risk the collapse of the prison system.

In exchange for the concessions, the government has promised tougher measures, including a presumption that all offenders be tagged, longer supervision periods and new restriction zones. Critics remain unsatisfied: shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy welcomed the change as a "victory for victims" but said it did not go far enough, while domestic abuse commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs said leaving domestic abusers eligible for early release was "wrong" and endangered victims' lives. The article invites readers to vote on whether the scheme should proceed as amended or exclude further offenders.