Burnham tightens early release of prisoners

04.08.2026 17:26 HotInfo 9

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, after taking over from Keir Starmer, tightened the plan for early release of prisoners in England and Wales. Perpetrators of rape, grooming and serious sexual offences against children are to be excluded from the programme, and according to the government, the changes will reduce the number of released persons by approximately one thousand. teraz.sk ↗

At the same time, the government has postponed the start of the release of thousands of prisoners to October. The Justice Secretary stated that the cabinet would like to restrict the exemptions even further, but according to him this would risk the collapse of the prison system. Criticism nevertheless continues, since under the new rules some of those convicted of manslaughter or domestic violence may still remain eligible for early release.

Alongside prison reform, Burnham is facing pressure to increase funding for brain tumour research. Archie Goodburn publicly called on him for the government to provide more money and resources for research, with the appeal tying into a broader debate about the new government's healthcare priorities. hnonline.sk ↗

Another open issue remains Britain's relationship with the European Union after Brexit. The European Commission is considering a compromise on the issue of tuition fees for students from EU member states at British universities, which is one of the main obstacles to negotiations on restoring closer relations. svet.sme.sk ↗

Burnham has already previously voiced support for adopting a written constitution, advocates for decentralisation, and is reconsidering the plan to limit jury trials. Further developments will show whether the new government can combine reforms of the prison system, healthcare, the constitutional system and post-election relations with Brussels without further political disputes. hnonline.sk ↗