Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ordered an urgent review into the government's early release scheme to identify any individuals convicted of grooming offences who might be eligible for early release from prison. The announcement follows concerns raised by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who highlighted that child sex offenders could be freed well before completing their sentences.

This development comes as the government plans to release approximately 5,000 offenders in England and Wales early, a measure intended to alleviate overcrowding in jails. The review aims to ensure that cases involving grooming are specifically identified within the existing framework of the early release programme.

Badenoch had previously pointed out that indecent assault, an offence often linked to historical grooming gang cases, was not explicitly excluded from the list of offences eligible for early release. This oversight, she argued, could lead to the early liberation of individuals convicted of serious child sex offences.

The Prime Minister's spokesperson confirmed that the Ministry of Justice has been tasked with conducting an in-depth review of cases. This action is described as urgent and of utmost importance to the Prime Minister, who has personally intervened to ensure all possible measures are taken to address the needs of victims.

While the review will initially focus on identifying offenders who may be released early, it remains unclear whether it will result in preventing the release of those convicted of grooming-related crimes. Badenoch has characterized the Prime Minister's intervention as a response to her previous concerns and a "U-turn" on the government's policy.

Earlier in the week, Burnham had announced that prisoners convicted of rape, serious child sex offences, and other grooming offences would be barred from early release from October. However, Badenoch's letter indicated that some offenders, including those convicted of sexually assaulting children via indecent assault charges, could still be freed early.

Burnham has stated that while he wished to exclude more offenders, the critical state of prison overcrowding prevented further exemptions. He warned that such measures could lead to the collapse of the prison system and significantly increase public risk. The prison population in England and Wales stood at 86,495 on August 3rd, operating at 97% of usable capacity.

This situation highlights the complex balancing act faced by the government in addressing prison capacity issues while ensuring public safety and justice for victims of serious crimes, particularly those involving child sexual abuse.