Conservative Leader to Force Vote on Exempting Sex Offenders From Early Release

The Conservative Party will use an opposition day debate on Tuesday to call for the exemption of offenders convicted of sexual offences against adults or children from the early release provisions of the Sentencing Act 2026. The motion covers convictions for rape, grooming, and related attempts, conspiracies, or incitement. It also includes offenders convicted of sexual offences against children.

Background on the Sentencing Act 2026 The Sentencing Act 2026 allows some offenders to be released early from September to reduce prison overcrowding. Reports that the scheme could apply to killers, rapists, and other sex offenders have drawn criticism.

The Conservative Party previously proposed an amendment to the Sentencing Bill to block automatic early release for rapists, paedophiles, and other serious offenders.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the early release of convicted rapists, paedophiles, and grooming gang members was "frankly disgusting" and urged Labour MPs to support the motion. Shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy said sex offenders should remain in prison and described the scheme as a betrayal of victims who had not been properly informed of releases.

Shadow justice minister Dr Kieran Mullan said the changes would breach promises made to victims of serious offences. com calling on the government to reconsider the scheme.

Labour former minister Jess Phillips called for more exemptions within the release scheme, including longer prison terms for adults who rape children. Andy Burnham is exploring options to tighten the scheme to prevent child sex offenders from early release, according to The Sunday Times.