Kemi Badenoch to force vote on exemption of sex offenders from early prison release scheme

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is set to vote to exempt rapists, pedophiles and gang members from the government’s early release scheme.

The controversial initiative, which operates under the Criminal Code 2026, aims to ease overcrowding in prisons by releasing some criminals from September.

But reports suggesting murderers, rapists and other sex offenders could be released have sparked widespread criticism.

The Conservative Party will use an opposition day debate in the House of Commons on Tuesday to call on the Government to exempt “any offender who has been convicted of any sexual offense against an adult or child, including rape and grooming, or who has been convicted of attempting, conspiring or inciting to commit such offences”.

Ahead of the debate, Ms Badenoch said: “The premature release of convicted rapists, pedophiles and grooming rings by Labor is frankly disgusting.

“We warned the government that the Sentencing Bill would do this but they didn’t listen. Now even Andy Burnham says he wants to change the law so grooms and rapists can’t benefit from early release.”

“If Labor MPs want to show they understand the anger many people feel about this situation, they should vote for the Tory motion and keep vile sex offenders behind bars.”

Andy Burnham, who is likely to become the next prime minister, is exploring how to tighten the scheme to prevent child sex offenders from walking free. Sunday Times.

Former Labor minister Jess Phillips called for “more exemptions under the release plan”, including jailing adults who rape children for longer periods.

Ms Badenoch’s party has previously tabled an amendment to the Sentencing Bill to prevent rapists, pedophiles and other serious criminals from being automatically rewarded with early release.

Ahead of the debate, the Conservative Party launched a petition on DontFreeRapists.com urging the Government to reconsider.

Nick Timothy, the shadow justice secretary, said: “Sex offenders, like members of satanic rape gangs, should remain behind bars. But Labor is letting them back on the streets.”

“This is a betrayal to the victims, many of whom were not properly informed about the release of those who committed horrific crimes against them.

“Prison works – by punishing, deterring and keeping dangerous criminals away from the public. Serious violent and sexual offenders should be banned from being released under Labour’s disastrous early release plan.”

Shadow justice minister Dr. Kieran Mullan said: “Labour promised every victim of the most serious crimes their draftees would not come out early, but their changes will betray those promises.

“When it mattered, the Liberal Democrats voted to stop the early release of rapists and instead chose to side with the Government. We are giving them a second chance.”

“Conservatives will vote to keep rapists, pedophiles and gang members locked up where they belong.

“Labour and the Liberal Democrats must now decide whose side they are on.”